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UlBRARY OF CONGRESS,! 



UNITED STATES OP AMERICA, f 



Wtnfield 

THE LAWYER'S SON 



HOW HE BECAME A MAJOR-GENERAL. 
By Rev. CT WfDenison, 

L A T K CHAPLAIN U. S. V U L U N T E E R S. 




PHILADELPHIA ' 

Ash MEAD & Evans 

No. 724 Chestnut Streei- 
1865 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, m the year 1864, by 

ASIIMEAD & EVANS, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Eiistem 
District of Penns'ylvania. 



Stereotyped by J Kaoan k Son. 



To 

Benjamin Franklin Hancock, Esq., 

or Norristown, Pennsylvania, the Judicious Parent, the Upright 

Citizen, the Devoted Patriot, this Memoir of the Life 

of his Son, Major-General Winfield Scott 

Hancock, is respectfully inscribed, 

by the Author. • 



(iii) 



PREFACE. 



In the preparation of this Life of Major Gene- 
ral Hancock, the author has been abundantly 
supplied with authentic materials. His researches 
for early historical facts have been • aided by a 
large number of living witnesses, to whom he thus 
publicly tenders his grateful obligations. 

All the pages of the volume, including names, 
dates, i^laces, descriptions of scenes and reports 
of engagements, are intended to be historically 
correct. They will be found wholly free from 
partizan matter. The constant aim of the writer 
has been to present to his countrymen, of all 
classes, the old as well as the young, a literal 
transcript of the career of one of the most skilful 
and successful officers in the patriot Army of the 
United States. 
1* . 



ILLUSTRATIONS, 



I. 

Pago 
ORIGINAL LIKENESS OF GENERAL HANCOCK, frontispiece. 

From a Photograph furnished for this work by his family. 

11. 

THE CADET HORSE, 43 

Designed by White. 

III. 

"JINEING THE PINT," 56 

An original design of Cadet Hancock's, at West Point, 1843. 



lY. 

BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, 202 

Drawn by White. 



(vii) 



CONTENTS. 



Preface, ....... 

CHAPTER I.— His Birthplace, 
II. — His Boyhood, 
III. — His Boyhood, continued, 
IV. — How he was made a Cadet, . 
V. — His Career at West Point, 
VI. — His Native County, 
VII. — His First Campaign, 
VIIT. — His Promotion, 
IX. — Ordered to Florida, 
X. — In the War for the Union, 
XI. — Beginning the Union War, 
XIT.— His first Fight for the Union, 
XIII.— In the Campaign of '62, 
XIV.— At Yorktown, 



Page 
V 

11 
21 

29 
41 

53 
59 
63 
75 

82 
92 
100 
106 
118 
128 



(ix) 



X 


CONTENTS. 




CHAPTER XV. 


» 

—At Williamsburg, . 


Page 
. 140 


XVI. 


—His Letters Home, 


. 148 


XVIT. 


—Returning from the Peninsula, 


. 153 


XVIII. 


—At Antietam, 


. 157 


XIX. 


— Before Fredericksburg, 


. 166 


XX. 


—At Cbancellorsville, . 


. 182 


XXI.- 


—At Gettysburg, . 


. . .189 


xxir. 


—In the Gettysburg Fight, . 


. 197 


XXIII. 


—His Public Testimonials, 


. 209 


XXIV. 


—Ordered to Washington, 


. 217 


XXV. 


— In the Campaign with Grant, 


. 226 


XXVI.- 


— At Spottsylvania, 


. 238 


XXVII.- 


—Across the River Po, . 


. 246 


XXVIII.- 


—On the Chickahominy, 


. 260 


XXIX.- 


—In the Chickahominy Battles, 


. 268 


XXX.- 


—In Front of Petersburg, 


. 280 


XXXI.- 


—His New Movements, . 


. 296 


XXXII.- 


—Conclusion, . . . . 


. 311 



WINFIELD, 
THE LAWYER'S SON. 



CHAPTER I. 

HIS BIRTH-PLACE. 

"When real nobleness accompanies the imaginary one of birth, tho 
imaginary seems to mix with the real, and becomes real too." — Greville. 

ON the 14th of February; 1824, in a retired part 
of the county of Montgomery, near Montgomery 
Square, Pennsylvania, Winfield Scott Hakcock 
was born. lie is the son of Benjamin Fkanklin 
and Elizabeth Hancock, who are also natives of 
Montgomery county. His twin-brother, Hilaey 
Baker, is a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, 
where he has been for some years engaged in the 
practice of law. The only remaining brother, Major 
John Hancock, was in the Army of the Potomac, 
at the time of the commencement of this volume. 
These three are all the children of this branch of the 
Hancock family. 

(11) 



12 W INFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

At the age of four years Winfield removed, with 
his parents, to Korristown, Pennsylvania, a beautiful 
borough, finely located on the sloping banks of the 
Schuylkill river, about twenty miles from Philadel- 
phia. It is the shire town of Montgomery county. 
In the year 1864 it contained a population of 9000. 
The court house is well situated, on a commanding 
eminence, and built of the handsome gray marble 
of the vicinity. Its spire, which resembles that of 
some modern churches, is seen from a considerable 
distance, and forms an attractive object in the central 
portion of the town. There are seven churches, 
some of which are quite elegant in appearance. The 
streets are nearly all wide, straight, and generally 
laid out at right angles. Some of them are finely 
shaded with trees. One of the principal thorough- 
fares has beautiful rows, the clean trunks and shady 
branches of which reflect credit on the common sense 
and good taste of the citizens. The banks, newspa- 
pers, hotels, markets, and other toAvn appliances, be- 
token the activity and conveniences of the people. 
Of the weekly journals there are four, which circu- 
late wid'ely through the adjacent country, while the 
daily papers of Philadelphia and New York find 
numerous and constant readers, in a few hours after 
they leave their presses. The public schools, which 



SKETCH OF NORRISTOWN. 1^ 

have been established several years, are abundant 
and well conducted. There are two large seminaries, 
finely situated in the outskirts of the town, which 
afford the best facilities for male and female education. 

Owing to its being favored with a court house, and 
the strong stone jail 'appurtenance thereunto belong- 
ing,' Norristown has a liberal supply of gentlemen 
of the legal profession. Their numerous signs give 
evidence of the things signified in all the most 
frequented places. A somewhat amusing instance 
of the abundance of this highly valuable class of 
the community, in this quarter, occurred with the 
author. 

We were returning from a visit to the market, 
whither we had gone before sunrise, in order that we 
might note its peculiarities in these war times, and 
had jvist turned a corner by the court house, when a 
countryman accosted us : 

" Maybe you're a strenger in Norristown ?" 

"Yes, sir," was our reply. 

''Maybe you was 'quirin' 'boat the prices in mer- 
ket?" 

" Yes, sir," we again answered. 

"Maybe you're a lawyer?" said he, looking at us 
with great reverence. 

"No, sir!" we replied, not a little surprised at the 



14 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SOX. 

question, aiid quickly adding : " What made you. 
think so?" 

"Why, strenger," he concluded, continuing to look 
steadily at us, "you've got such a honest face!" 

Completely overcome, we turned away, and passed 
hurriedl}^ down Court House Hill. Ever since that 
eventful moment we have had a most exalted opinion 
of the lawyers of Norristown. How Avidely-known 
and well-established must be the integrity of these 
champions of jurisprudence, when a common stran- 
ger in the streets is supposed to be one of their num- 
ber by the honesty of his looks ! 

The public bridge across the river Schuylkill, at 
this place, is one of the longest and most substantial 
in Pennsylvania. It leads to the neat village of 
Bridgeport, where the canal flows along the banks, 
and where, just above, a dam spans the stream, down 
the sides of which the waters pour their crystal flood, 
like a thin sheet of transparent glass hung over a 
parapet. In the centre of the river is a lovely island, 
the green summer verdure, of Avhich is reflected in 
the passing waters; and whose romantic reaches be- 
yond remind the beholder of the days when the 
Schuylkill was the sporting current of the Indian, 
when its groves echoed to his wild halloos, and the 
hill-sides and valleys smoked with his wigwams. 



VALLEY FORGE. 15 

Now the dash of the water-wheel and the ripple of 
the canal-boat have taken the place of the paddling 
canoe. The savage shout has died away, and in its 
stead we hear the roar of engines on the railroad, and 
the clatter of machinery in the factories along the 
river. The smoke of the lodge has long since passed 
into thin air, and its space is supplied by the black 
vapor that rises from the tall chimneys of the busy 
iron forge, or the white steam of the lime-kiln. The 
Minie rifle has supplanted the bow ; the axe of the 
pioneer has driven out the savage hatchet ; the winding 
wild- wood path of the red man has become a country 
road, a turnpike, a railway ; and a large town stands 
on the rude plots where the aborigines reared their 
solitary huts. The naked foot of barbarism has been 
lifted from the soil, and the shod step of civilization 
is in its place where beautiful Norristown flourishes 
to-day. 

A few miles west from the Schuylkill is one of the 
most memorable spots in American revolutionary 
history. It is the Valley Forge. Here it was that 
the scattered remnants of the patriotic Continental 
army, under Washington, went into their scanty win- 
ter quarters. The British General, Sir William 
Howe, had vainly endeavored, with a much superior 
force, to draw the commander-in-chief into an unequal 



IQ WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

engagement. His object was the complete conquest 
of Pliilaclelpliia and the adjacent territory. But 
Washington was too cautious to be allured from his 
stronghold in these Pennsylvania hills ; although to 
remain there, through that unusually inclement sea- 
son, was sure to cause him and his brave troops a 
great amount of suffering. 

The battle of Grermantown had been fought by 
Washington, with La Fayette and Pulaski, at that time 
just introduced to our republican army. Germantown 
is but a few miles east of Norristown, on the fine ridge 
of country lying toward Philadelphia. The battle 
took place on the 4th of October, 1777; and 
although the American soldiers were enduring much 
from sickness and privations, they attacked the in- 
vaders with such valor that they would have com- 
pletely won the day but for an unforeseen withdraAval 
of aid, for which it was impossible for Washington 
to be prepared. 

At the struggle of the Brandywine, which took 
place not many miles from Korristown, on the 
11th of September, in the same year, the Americans 
fought equally well; but the smallness of their force, 
and the wounding of La Fayette, had compelled a 
retirement from the field. The determined will and 
skillful strategy of Washington, fighting a strong, 



VALLEY FORGE 17 

fresh force of tlie enemy, with disabled columns, kept 
Sir William Howe at bay from Philadelphia. It was 
not until the last extremity had come, that the revolu- 
tionary troops steadily and slowly retired to the 
Valley Forge. Here was passed that winter of ter- 
rible trial. Without suitable food or clothinsf, worn 
down by repeated marches and battles, deprived of 
the comforts of home, driven into poor little shanties 
for protection against the piercing cold, the patriots 
of that day have gilded those hillsides and glens of 
Pennsylvania with the glory of their deeds. It was 
here that the selfish spirit of mean and cowardly men 
added to the sufferings of the brave soldiers. At 
the time when starvation seemed to be staring them 
in the face, when their feet were yet sore and swollen 
with their shoeless conflicts in the drifted snows, there 
were wretches base enough to rush through the sad 
and gloomy camp, crying "Beef! Beef! Give us 
beef!" It required all the courage and force of cha- 
racter of Washington to check this unpatriotic out- 
break, and convince the soldiers that to endure as 
brave men should was finally to succeed in the great 
struggle. In the 'dead waste and middle' of that 
fearful winter, the Father of our Country retired 'to 
the grove near his headquarters ; and, spreading his 
well-worn army cloak on the frozen ground, poured 



18 W INFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

out the agony of his tried soul in prayer to the 
Deity. At that very moment treason was doing its 
worst against him. Attempts were being made to 
supplant liim in command. Our oppressors abroad, 
uniting witb traitors at home, were doing all in their 
power to scattei^the Continental forces, and give up 
the country to the foe. It was not so to be ! The 
Valley Forge, Avhile it was the dark, icy grave to 
many of our early heroes, became, also, in the spring- 
time, the open door of hope, from which sprang fortli 
new legions to do battle for Eepublican freedom. 
Well may it forever be a sacred spot. Pennsylvania 
has many glorious Eevolutionary memorials ; but the 
Yalley Forge stands first among them all. 

Surrounded by sucli associations as these, Winfield 
Scott Hancock was born. The name given him at his 
birth was indicative of the estimate put on love of 
country by his parents. That of Hancock is associated 
witb everything that is noble and self-sacrificing in 
the early annals of the Eepublic. John Hancock, 
the Massachusetts mercbant, will be remembered with 
gratitude by patriotic Americans, as long as a page 
of the history of our land remains. He was one of 
the most determined chamjDions of the Kevolution 
that the American colonies contained. Of the fore- 
most men of his time, it was for him to say : 



PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATIONS. 19 

" Thy spirit, Independence ! let me share, 
Lord of the lion heart and eagle eye! 
Thy steps I follow Avith my bosom bare, 
Nor heed the storm that howls along the sky. 
Immortal Liberty! whose look sublime 
Has blanched the tyrant's cheek in every varying clime." 

Hancock was among the first, while yet a young- 
man and in the possession of a large fortune, to strike 
a blow against the royal oppressors of his native 
land. His life was declared to be forfeited, by a pro- 
clamation of the British Grovernment. But he escaped 
the fury of a brutal soldiery, to enlist, with Adams, 
Otts, and other patriots of that day, in the work of 
prep ring for an armed resistance to foreign aggres- 
sions. Immediately after the battle of Lexington, he 
was chosen President of the Provincial Congress, in 
Massachusetts ; and subsequently to be the successor 
of Peyton Eandolph, of old Yirginia, as President of 
the General Congress, which met at Philadelphia, and 
issued the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 
1776. On that immortal roll of worthies his name must 
ever stand conspicuous. The record there made was 
nobly attested all through his life, and in the hour 
of his death. Virtuous, modest, courageous, learned, 
dignified, rich, he gave up all for his country; and 
has left a name on the pages of history Avhich every 



20 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

Aincricaii may well aspire to imitate and be proud 
to honor. 

Coupled with the name of Hancock, the subject 
of our biography bears that of Winfield Scott. 
It is a pleasure to be able to record here the fact that 
the venerable Lieutenant- General acknowledges the 
compliment paid him, and has repeatedly expressed 
his deep personal interest in the career of the Penn- 
sylvania boy who still so worthily bears his distin- 
guished name. 



CHAPTER IL 
HIS BOYHOOD. 

" The first sure symiitom of a mind in health 
Is rest of heart, and pleasure felt at home." 

Young. 

WE must now introduce the reader to the home 
of Winfield, at Korristown. It was the year 
1835. His father was at that time a school teacher, 
and engaged in fitting himself for the profession of 
the laAV. The home of the boy was a good one. 

How much is included in these few short words ! 
The true homes of America are its chief glory. They 
are the only sure social foundations of the Eepubli- 
can temple. In every such country the boys of to- 
day, when properly qualified, are the electors of to- 
morrow. As they decide the franchise, so the destinies 
of the nation may be deckled. An American boy, 
rightly educated, may justly aspire to any position 
within the compass of man to attain, or of man to 
bestow. Hence the incalculable importance of earlj? 

instruction in America ; hence the immense interests 

(21) 



22 \nNFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

of society and government that cluster around the 
hearth and shrine of the American home. 

Such was the home of Winfield. His parents 
were sincere Christians. The altar of worship stood 
like a sanctuary within their doors ; mid every day 
their family bowed with them before it. Morning 
and evening the incense of devotion ascended from 
that house. Kor did this hallowed home influence 
stop at the threshold. Impressed on the memory and 
heart; it went out into the duties of life. It made 
itself a motive in their thoughts, heard in their 
voices, and felt in their actions. It was not irresisti- 
ble ; it was not all-controlling ; but, like the subtle 
air, it penetrated to every spot ; and even if its pres- 
ence could not always regulate, it was always acknow- 
ledged as able to do so, if its inherent power for good 
should be allowed free sway. 

It was in the domain of such a home as this that 
Winfield received his earliest impressions of charac- 
ter. The uniform record of him, in his boyhood, 
is, that he Avas obedient to his parents, truthful and 
courteous, cheerful, soci^'ble, and manly. 

A gentleman sitting in the office of Winfield's 
father, heard quite a tumult among the boys in the 
street. There were shouts and other signs of per- 



HIS BOYHOOD. 23 

sonal conflict, which drew Mr. Hancock and his friend 
to the door. 

"Come herC; my son/' said the father, calling out 
Winfield from the crowd. 

The boy immediately obeyed, and came marching 
directly to the ofi&ce door, his flushed face turned full 
on that of his father. 

"What is the matter, Winfield?" inquired Mr. 
Hancock. 

" Why, that big boy, out there, tried to whip me ; 
and / luasnH going to let him !^^ 

" But he is a great deal larger than jou are, my 
son." 

" I know he is, father ; but he shan't whip me, for 
all that !" 

It required some skill on the part of Mr. Hancock, 
aided by his visitor, to convince the lad that it was 
not his duty to go out and resume the fight, against 
all odds. 

Another domestic scene, of an entirely different 
character, serves further to illustrate the boy. 

Winfield and* Hilary had come in together in the 
evening — for, being twins, they were then very sel- 
dom separate — and found their mother engaged in 
family affairs that would require her to remain up to 



24 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

a late hour. The father was necessarily absent; and 
she was alone with the children. 

The two little boys moved about the house, attend- 
ing to their tasks, as usual, until the time came to 
retire. The rooms were all still, save that in which 
the mother was engaged. The streets were almost 
vacant, and nearly quiet. The boys stood and looked 
at each other. They were tired of play. They had 
finished their studies. They had done their home 
errands. Both of them saw at a glance the state of 
the case ; and, simultaneously, they hit on a happy 
expedient. They immediately called a council of 
two — a twin council of twin brothers — and unani- 
mously decided the following propositions : 

First. It is the decision of this council that mother 
is not to be allowed to sit up alone. 

Second. The council will sit up with her. 

Third. The council shall divide the time into 
watches of one hour each. 

Fourth. Each member of the council shall keep 
awake one hour, and sleep one hour, watch and 
watch, until mother puts us to bed. 

These articles of agreement, having been duly as- 
sented to by both the high contracting parties, were 
fi\ithfully carried out; until both members of the 



HIS BOYHOOD. 25 

council, at a late hour, were tenderly led to their 
youthful slumbers. 

The attachment existing between Winfield and his 
schoolmates developea itself in a great variety of 
ways, reflecting credit on his juvenile propensities. 
He was always regarded as a leader among the boys 
at Norristown. When the time came to organize 
the occasional village accompaniment of an amateur 
boy militia, he was at once selected, by common con- 
sent, to hold the distinguished post of captain. The 
memory of this little body of Home Guards is cher- 
ished with pride by many of its members, to this 
day. The matrons look back with pleasure on the 
fact that their hands helped to equip the juvenile sol- 
diers ; and that when they appeared on parade, with 
mimic colors and music of tiny drum and flageolet, 
they cheered them on their marches, and served 
them freely with the required rations of lemonade 
and doughnuts. 

The haymo^\Ts and orchards in Norristown and 
vicinity will bear witness to the innocent raids of 
these budding patriots. In justice to them, it must 
be added that their depredations were never of a 
very serious character. They were generally wel- 
come whenever they entered their temporary bar- 
racks, or Tcamp-grounds ; and usually found ample 



26 WINFIELD THE LAWYER'S SON. 

opportunities to display their imitation martial deeds. 
Captain Winfield — perhaps OAving to the significant 
fact that he bore the name of the then principal gen- 
eral of the United States arnty — always 'ruled the 
roster/ whether it assumed the form of a brigade, a 
regiment; or a battalion. His military experience, 
at the ripe age of twelve years, carried him triumph- 
antly through every duty, — muster, parade, drill, 
inspection, and review. His personal appearance 
always commanded respect, at the head of his little 
troop. One peculiarity of paternal reverence often 
saved him trouble in the way of discipline. He 
always handed offenders over to their mothers. This 
was a capital idea of Captain Winfield's. It not only 
enabled him to avoid all the vexations of a court-mar- 
tial, but it gave satisfaction to all concerned ; for if a 
good mother cannot bring a soldier to terms, who 
can ? 

The boy-circle of Winfield in Norristown had its 
social singing-school. Here, again, his companions 
clustered around ; for he was as popular in musical 
as he was in military affairs. His aid was especially 
valuable in this association, for its general manage- 
ment was conferred on his father, as chairman of a 
committee. On one occasion, when the singing-books 
were being given out, it so happened that a soiled 



ins BOYHOOD. 27 

copy fell into the liancls of- a playmate of Winfield. 
Before lie was aware of the defacements, the lad liad 
written his name in the book, and thus it was too 
late to change it. 

"Leave this matter to me," said Winfield ; "I'll 
see what can be done. You shall have a good book 
in the place of this." 

"Thank you," replied his school-fellow; "but how 
will you do it?" 

"Let me manage that," Winfield quietly added — 
"you may be sure I will do it right; for father, you 
know, is committee-man." 

Without saying more, he took the soiled volume, 
and carefully erased the name his fellow-scholar had 
written in it. He then placed the book back in the 
pile, where he knew it must pass through the careful 
hands and under the scrutinizing eye of his father. 

The time came. The school was all assembled and 
seated. The books were again to be given out. Mr. 
Hancock passed them, as usual, giving to each scholar 
his book, with his name in it. Directly he came to 
the soiled one. The name was erased ! 

"Who erased this name?" quietly asked the dig- 
nified chairman of the committee, holding up the 
book, and showing the defaced page. 



28 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

"I did it, sir," promptly replied Winfield, standing 
up in his place. 

"What did you do it for?" continued the father. 

"Because I didn't want that boy to have a soiled 
book, when I knew there were plenty of good ones, 
not used." 

Mr. Hancock looked an instant at Winfield, and, 
with a calm smile, put back the soiled book in its 
place behind him. Giving the school-mate a perfect 
copy, he added : 

"Take your seat, Winfield." 

That simple act of the lawyer's son spoke volumes. 
His attachment for his comrade determined his pur- 
pose to do him a favor. He was ready to do it, even 
if he had to ask it publicly of his fixther — a com- 
manding gentleman, the personification of dignity, 
especially when presented to a school of youth, to 
supervise tlieir treatment of books. The promptness 
of his response to the question of his father, in the 
presence of the school, resulting in the protection of 
his school-fellow and obtaining him the de*sired book, 
strikingly illustrates, through the boy, the genius and 
energy of the man. 



CHAPTER III. 

HIS BOYHOOD, CONTINUED. 

*'0h! the joy 
Of young ideas, printed on the mind, 
In the warm, glowing colors fancy spreads, 
On objects not yet known, when all is new." 

H. More. 

IT is the opiiiion of tliose wlio knew Winfield best 
in his boyhood, that he chose the military life 
from an inherent love of it. At that early period of 
which we are now writing, he could, of course, have 
no idea of what was before him. His parents had 
not the slightest intention of devoting him to the 
profession of arms. When, on pleasant Saturday 
afternoons, released from the confinement of the 
school-room, he gathered his fellow-scholars around 
him, and, with music and banners, marched and coun- 
termarched with them through the streets of the then 
comparatively small village of Norristown, little did 
his family or those who looked on the mimic parade 
imagine that the modest, cheerful, amiable youth be- 
fore them would rise to the dignity of a Major 
3* (29; 



30 JVIXFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

General in one of the greatest armies of the world. 
When the miniature battles followed, the snow-ball 
engagements, the hay-bank barricades, the wooden 
swords clashing, the corn-stalk guns charging, the 
scantling embankments were carried by stove-pipe 
artillery, it was hardl}^ supposed by the curious spec- 
tators that the}^ were but the preludes to grand and 
gallant realities, in which that youthful commander 
should bear so conspicuous and enduring a part. 

In the juvenile band he met for other purposes, 
he was as affectionate and social as he was energetic 
and commanding in military matters. It was here 
that his genius shone in a beautiful sphere. He was 
very fond of scientific experiments. There are por- 
tions of his father's house that contain good illustra- 
tions of his taste in this particular,^ — the original 
home-made electric battery, the collections of geo- 
logical and mineral specimens, the drawings, sketch- 
ings and paintings. 

In the prosecutioti of his scientific studies, he was 
happy in opportunities to administer or to witness 
the administration and effects of nitrous oxide, or 
exhilarating gas. He was in the habit of gathering, 
with his twin brother, an amateur class of students, 
to whom these and other experiments always afforded 



HIS BOYHOOD. 31 

pleasure. Win field was invariably selected to be the 
grand lecturer on tbese august occasions. 

"And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew, 
How one small head could carry all he knew." 

With him, however, it was a serious matter. He 
entered the arena of science with a keen relish for 
it, and a firm purpose to excel in it. He was amused, 
with the rest ; but it was the amusement that rejoices 
in scientific combinations secured, and a prognosis 
chemically fulfilled. 

On one of these occasions, a playmate whose given 
name was Washington, well knoAvn to be a good 
singer, was desired to take the gas at the hands of 
Professor Winfield. The attempt to induce him to 
sing, while under the influence of the exhilaration, 
had been repeatedly tried by others, but always failed. 
At length the juvenile Professor determined to try his 
own skill in the case. 

Proceeding to administer the gas slowly, at regular 
intervals, he placed his mouth near the ear of the 
pupil, and breathed, in a clear, distinct whisper : 

" Sing, Wash ! — sing ! — sing ! — sing !" 

In an instant the effect was produced. The lad 
sprang forward, and throwing himself into the atti- 
tude of a singing master, ivith arm erect, as if beat- 



32 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

ing time and tuning-fork in hand, he began, in the 
old tune of St. Martin's : 



On Jo-ordan's sto-ormyba-anks I stand, 

And ca-a-st a wi-i-shful eye 
To Ca-na-an's fai-i-r and ha-a-ppy land, 

Where my-y posse-e-ss-ions lie." 



" Well done !" exclaimed the delighted young Pro- 
fessor, as he saAv his scientific victory ; while all the 
company joined in the applause. 

It now came the turn of Professor Winfield him- 
self. "What trait would the gas make him display ? 
We shall see. 

A powerful charge of the subtle element was admin- 
istered to him. On the removal of the stop-cock, he 
stepped gravely forward, like a clergyman in a pul- 
pit, about to lead in some part of divine service. 
There was a general disappointment, for a moment. 
Pausing, slowly, he remained motionless, his eyes 
fixed steadily on the floor, his right hand placed 
firmly beneath his chin, his left foot slightly ad- 
vanced. In Ais position he remained an instant, as 
if he were a statue, when, springing up, like an eagle, 
he swept across the area, stretched out his arms to 
their full extent, clenched his fists, and prepared for 
active battle. The nearest portion of the audience 



HIS BOYHOOD. 33 

incontinently fell back, or the tlirentened bloAvs might 
have caused ' somebody to be hurt.' 

Instantly, as the living effect passed off", he resumed 
his wonted habit of mingled dignity, courtesy, and 
energy. 

These characteristics of the practical student were 
well developed in Winfield. At the village academy 
he acquired and maintained the position of an honest, 
truthful, obedient, courageous boy. It Avas his cha- 
racter, also, in the community. While popular with 
his fellow youth and fond of their society, there was 
something about this boy that led men of thought 
and reflection to take an interest in conversing^ with 
him. Many a time was he received with pleasure in 
the cluster of the citizens who were wont to gather 
in the store opposite his father's residence, and by 
whom the affairs of the day were discussed. It is 
worthy of remembrance that he loved to be among 
and listen to them. He was never known to intrude 
an opinion or to hazard a remark of his own ; but as 
he stood there, with his modest, unassuming manner, 
the expressions of his face, as conversations pro- 
gressed, clearly indicated on which side his convic- 
tions were, and that, if called upon, he was ready to 
enforce them by every means in his power. It was 
here, among these debating and enquiring free citi- 



34 WIN FIE LB, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

zens, til at Winfield learned some of his best concep- 
tions of the safeguards of our country. Here he 
saw, in the record of passing events thus laid before 
his opening mind, the practical application of those 
vital forces of which he had learned at school, and 
the relative value of which he now beheld wrought 
out into shape b}^ those before him, in the movements 
of society. He learned the worth of freedom to all 
mankind by what he saw of its enjoyment among 
those immediately around him. Free himself, he 
longed in his young heart to give freedom, guided 
by law, to all the human race. 

He was now fifteen years of age. His progress in 
his studies had been all that could be expected. As 
he advanced, new opportunities were presented for 
the development of his powers. The celebration of 
the anniversary of our national independence called 
him out in a new field. He was selected to read the 
Declaration in public on that day. It Avas an occa-- 
sion of deep interest in the town. The largest church 
was crowded with people, and the schools were well 
represented. One of the pastors, Avho had always 
expressed pleasure in the marked genius of Winfield, 
when it was known that he was to be the reader of 
the Declaration, took him aside to his shady garden, 
and there taught him on what to lay the emphasis, 



HIS BOYHOOD. 35 

where to pause, when to raise and how to lower his 
voice. It would be a graphic picture to witness that 
reverend divine now calling the Major General be- 
fore him again, to hear how he would to-day delineate 
the immortal document he read in the grove, more 
than a quarter of a century ago, and which he has 
since so often and so bravely periled his life^ on the 
field of battle, to maintain. 

When Winfield was eleven years of age, there 
came to Norristown a poor little boy who was com- 
monly called 'Johnny.' His father had died when 
he was but three years old, and he was placed in 
charge of a relative of the familj^ He grew np with 
the other boys of the place, and at the age of nine 
became one of the playmates of Winfield. By de- 
grees there was formed an attachment between them. 
They saw something in each other that they liked. 

As is too often the case, not only with children but 
older persons, this unfortunate child was neglected, 
and occasionally tyrannized over by his associates. 
This was one of the reasons why Winfield resolved 
to stand by him. Having ten pennies at his disposal 
where Johnny had one, he made it a rule, whenever 
occasion served, to divide with him. When they 
met, before or after school, and recreation was the 
object, Winfield would say : 



S6 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON, 

" Come, Johnny, I have some pennies ; let us go 
together and get something." 

Thus the thoughtful generosity of Winfielcl and 
the affectionate gratitude of Johnny made both boys 
happy, 

Sometimes larger boys would gather around Johnny, 
and tantalize and threaten him. He was the youngest 
and smallest among them. On all such occasions, 
Winfield, when within sight or hearing, would 
promptly and bravely come to the rescue. 

^'Look here !" he would say to the aggressor, "you 
are larger and older than Johnny, and ought to be 
ashamed to take advantage of him, on account of his 
age and size." 

"What business is it to you, Winfield Hancock?" 
came the angry question. 

" I will make it my business," was Winfield's de- 
cided reply. "Stand your ground, Johnny; they 
shan't hurt you !" 

Occasionally, when this manly reinforcement 
brought threats on his own head, he would boldly 
add : 

"If 3^ou want to take hold of a boy, why don't you 
find one of my size ? Let little Johnny alone !" 

His magnanimous courage always carried the day. 

It was in this spirit that he obtained that control 



HIS EARLY FRIENDS. 37 

over other boys, some of them older than himself, 
that distinguished his boyhood. Yery frequently, 
when juvenile difficulties occurred, and it seemed im- 
possible to adjust them amicably, the general cry 
would arise : 

" Oh, leave it to Winfield ; he'll settle it." 
The young judge invariably accepted the office, and 
mounted the bench, on the spot. It is worthy of 
record that his decisions, whatever they might be, 
always gave satisfaction. 



In after years little Johnny came as a carpenter's 
apprentice to the city of Philadelphia. He was 
still so poor that when he crossed the bridge, then 
standing at the head of Market street, he had but a 
solitary penny in his pocket. But he had a good 
trade ; and immediately went to work. It was not 
long ere he was at the head of a gang of men. By 
continued industry he prospered in business, and be- 
came a rich man. Entering a new field, he was 
chosen a member of the Philadelphia city govern- 
ment, and took his seat in the Councils, respected and 
confided in by all who knew him. 
. In the same course of time, Winfield, his playmate, 
had become a Major General in the Army of the 
United States. But they who had thus been boys 



88 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

together, did not forget each other when they became 
men. It was the pleasant duty of John William 
EvEKMAN., Esq., for the government of Philadelphia, 
to introduce a series of resolutions commending 
the patriotism, courage, and skill of Major Greneral 
WiNFiELD Scott Hancock. These resolutions were 
passed unanimously by both branches of the City 
Councils, and it devolved on 'little Johnny' to be 
chairman of the committee that took them, elegantly 
engrossed, to the now distinguished friend of his 
early years. 

The Councilman and the General met at the capital 
of the nation. How changed the scene now from 
that of their boyhood in the borough of Norristown ! 
They came together, in the presence of the accompa- 
nying members of the delegation, in one of the par- 
lors of Ayillard's hotel. With what cordiality the 
two playmates greeted each other ! 

At the close of a mutually agreeable conversation, 
the General said : 

" We meet here, Mr. Everman, in our official ca- 
pacities; but, sir, I desire to see more of you. I 
must leave, soon, for my post in the army. Come 
and visit me there, sir ; and be sure and make my 
headquarters your home, during your stay." 

This early friendship of boyhood continues to the 



BIS EARLY FRIENDS. 39 

present day. It has been repeatedly revived by nu- 
merous pleasant memorials. When General Hancock 
was last at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, aiding, by his 
powerful personal influence, in the- great work of ob- 
taining reinforcements for the noble Army of the 
Potomac, he was waited upon by Mr. Everman, in 
company with other gentlemen of the Philadelphia 
city government. The pages of the records of the 
past were often reviewed by the two friends on this 
occasion. It was here the General was informed that 
he was voted the freedom of Philadelphia, and that 
the. sacred area of old Independence Hall — the room 
in which the Decraration of American Independence 
was signed — had been opened to his use, for the re- 
ception of himself and his visits from the people. 

The scenes of that occasion will long be remem- 
bered in Philadelphia. The honor is one seldom con- 
ferred on any American citizen. ISTo one but a Presi- 
dent or Ex-president of the United States, or a serv- 
ant of the Republic similarly distinguished, has ever 
enjoyed it. Here, within these .consecrated walls, the 
two friends — Winfield and little Johnny — enjoyed 
the renewal of the friendship of their boyhood days. 
As the crowd gathered around him, to do him honor 
for his brilliant services on the field of battle, to up- 
hold the 'Union our patriot fathers had met here to 



40 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

establish, tlie General bent down close to bis friend, 
and whispered in bis ear : 

" You sball bear from me again." 

A gentleman approaching touched on the political 
questions of the day. 

" I know no politics/' said General Hancock ; " es- 
pecially in such a presence as this," — looking rever- 
ently on the portraits of the fathers of the Eepublic, 
bung around the old ball — firmly adding : 

" A good soldier knows no party but his country." 

In receiving the Philadelphia resolutions, forwarded 
by Mr. Everman, the same noble impulse guided the 
pen of the General. By bis direction they were en- 
closed to Mrs. Hancock, at her residence at Long- 
wood, St. Louis county, Missouri, who acknowledged 
them from the friend of her husband in a beautiful 
and appropriate letter. A copy was placed in the 
bands of the parents of the General, where they or- 
nament the family mansion, overlooking a portion 
of the youthful playgrounds of Winfield and ' little 
Johnny,' at Norristown. 



CHAPTER TV. 

HOW HE WAS MADE A CADET. 

"Statesman, yet friend of truth; of soul sincere. 
In action faithful and in honor clear." 

Pope. 

AT the time of wliich we are now writing, there 
resided in a populous part of Montgomery 
county, Pennsylvania, a gentleman well known for 
his extensive influence in political circles. His 
deep interest in the arrangement of public matters 
induced him to take long and frequent rides through 
different parts of the county, and places adjacent. 
He once represented that district in the Congress of 
the United States. His type of character led him to 
be strong in his likes and dislikes ; to be decided in 
his friendship and equally decided in his enmity. 

For quite a number of years, in the prosecution 

of his profession, he had employed one of the best 

horses in that section of the country. With his 

trusty sfeed, when a pressing occasion demanded, he 

4^ (41) 



42 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

was accustomed to start off; at times in tlie middle of 
the night, reach the dwellings of the members of his 
party he desired to see, rouse them from their slum- 
bers, communicate the intelligence or counsel he 
thought of importance, and then, after driving or 
riding miles in his solitary routes of duty, to return 
to his office as the first beams of day gilded the sur- 
rounding landscape. Many a public movement has 
been announced in the papers, many a political event 
has controlled the party destinies of that district, and, 
to some extent, of the state and country, which had 
its unknown origin in the midnight journeys of this 
Montgomery county traveller. 

Like other somewhat eccentric men, having no 
wife to love, he loved his horse. The noble animal 
was his companion in all these secret trips. It had 
become accustomed to his night approaches in the 
comfortable stables ; it had sped for him, either bear- 
ing him on its back or drawing him in his vehicle, 
through highways and byways ; it had patiently and 
quietly waited for him, through summer and winter, 
in sunshine and in storm, at the places selected by its 
master foi* his strategic interviews ; and had thus, in 
many ways, enabled him to accomplish objects that 
were dear to his heart. 

But, strong and enduring as is the horse, it cannot 



HOW HE WAS MADE A CADET. 43 

last forever. There came a time when the good steed 
of our friend, while it retained all its wonted fineness 
of mould and form, gave signs of age. "While suit- 
able for short excursions, and as useful as ever for 
occasional drives, it could no longer withstand the 
long, and rapid, and repeated journeys to which for 
years it had been subjected. The owner, touched by 
the discovery of the fact, with a spirit that did him 
honor, decided to withdraw the animal from such 
active service. He took it to Philadelphia, and pre- 
sented it to a professional acquaintance, then resid- 
ing there, with the mutual understanding that the 
faithful creature should be employed only in light 
and easy duties — such as would especially benefit 
the recipient of the horse — until its death. 

Time passed on. One day, when the lawyer was 
on a visit to Philadelphia, he discovered, as he stood 
near the Montgomery Hotel, a handsome horse, 
harnessed to a heavily loaded dray, quivering with 
excitement under his load, covered with foam, and a 
driver lashing him furiously with a large whip. 
Looking a moment at the suffering animal — ^panting 
there in the dry, dusty streets, in the middle of the 
month of July — he perceived it was his own former 
favorite! Pushing to the driver, and seizing his 



44 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

lifted whip, just about to descend on tlie lacerated 
back of the poor creature, he exclaimed : 

" Hold ! What are you about, flogging that horse 
in that brutal manner?" 

The driver began to reply, when he again cried 
out: 

"Where did you buy the animal?" 

" Of ," (naming the party to whom 

the lawyer had presented it.) 

"What did you pay?" 

" Seventy -five dollars." 

" And he took that money, for this horse !" 

" Yes, sir ; I paid him cash down." 

" You did ? Well ; you may come down yourself, 
now." 

The driver descended from his dray, and stood, 
looking with wonder at his questioner, while he, in 
turn, looked, with something rather different, at him. 

" Now, tell me," he resumed, as calmly as possible, 
" why did you strike such a handsome horse in that 
way?" 

" I know it's handsome, sir ; quick yet, in a light 
buggy; but, then, the critter ain't strong; its too 
old, 'squire." 

" So, then ; you cut and lash a noble horse because 
he's old, do you ?" 



HOW HE WAS MADE A CADET. 45 

" I've been cheated; 'squire, by the man I bought 
on." 

" Been cheated, eh ? I think you have ! 

"And you are not the only one who has been 
cheated about that horse. 

"What will you take for the animal?" 

" I'll take a hundred dollars ; for it'll be some 
trouble for me to get another who'll sell as well." 

" My friend ! here are your hundred dollars. The 
horse is mine — again ! I have always held that 
beautiful creature to be worth more than twice as 
much. I would not take five hundred, now 1" 

"Then you've made a good bargain, 'squire." 

" Yes ; a very good bargain ; tho'I have been sold, 
myself; but this is the last time this horse will ever 
be. 

" Take it out of that dray, as quick as your hands 
will let you ! Go ! get a dray horse, that will bear 
loading and thrashing better than this one !" 

The still wondering drayman instinctively obeyed, 
and the horse, yet trembling and wet with fatigue 
and blows, was led to the stables of the Montgomery 
Hotel, where several days and nights of rest and 
care were required to restore the usual appearance 
and qualities. At the end of that time the revived 
pet was again in its old home, suitably enlarged for 



4:6 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

the purpose, and receiving its full share of wonted 
kindness. 



Now it happened that at the time this occurrence 
was taking place, the party who had thus summarily 
disposed of the present of our legal friend, removed 
a portion of his family into Montgomery county. 
His reason for doing so was that he heard a cadet 
was about being selected there for West Point, and 
he thought by that device to secure the appointment 
for his son. He had no right to solicit the favor. 
He was not a resident of the district, never had 
been, and never expected to be. His temporary 
location there was a subterfuge, a ruse ; as mean an 
act as his selling the present of his friend, to be 
treated brutally in its old age. 

The lawyer discovered the base trick, as he had 
discovered that practiced on him in the matter of his 
equine favorite ; and, with his usual promptitude, 
determination and sagacity, he proceeded at once to 
thwart the trickster. We shall see how handsomely 
he did it. With the eccentricity and shrewdness 
peculiar to him, he determined that his horse, who 
had shared with him in suffering, should participate 
with him in his punishment of the wrong-doer. He 
at once mounted the animal, and proceeded to the 



HOW HE WAS MADE A CADET. 47 

liouse of the then member of congress for that dis- 
trict, the Hon. Joseph Foknance, told him the facts 
of the case, and took the steps necessary to carry his 
patriotic plan into effect. 

Late that same night he rode up to the door of 
Air. B. F. Hancock, in ISTorristown. Without stop- 
ping to dismount, he at once began : 

" Good evening, Mr. Hancock !" 

"Good evening, sir," was the courteous answer, as 
Mr. Hancock, who had been roused from his sleep, 
came to the steps of his of&ce. 

" Mr. Hancock ! would you like to have your son 
Winfield sent to West Point, as a cadet ?" 

" Eeally, sir, I hardly know what to reply to such 
a question. It is a very sudden one to be proposed 
at this time of night. I have not thought of the 
thing." 

" Well, I wish you would think of it ; for I have 
it in my power to send him." 

" Winfield is rather young for such a position." 

" He is as old as the boy who another man is try- 
ing to get in !" 

" That may be." 

" Yes, sir ; I Icnoiv it to be so ! Winfield is a smart 
boy, Mr. Hancock ; a very smart boy ; a great deal 
smarter than that other one ; he has the talents for 



48 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

it, sir ; just the talents ; and, if you will say the 
word, he shall go." 

" I thank you for the offer ; but you must grant 
me time to reflect upon it. 

" Call to-morrow morning, and I will give you an 
answer." 

The family of Mr. Hancock are early risers. 
They were up betimes ; and the cadet consultation 
was duly held. It is due to the mother of Winfield 
to record the fact that she took that active part in it 
becoming her position. Unintentionally to herself 
she had nourished some of the early military pro- 
clivities of the boy. She had helped to equip him 
in his juvenile uniform, when at the head of his 
miniature company of ISTorristown volunteers, while 
his father had been busy with other affairs. She 
knew well the bent of the mind of the boy. Win- 
field himself was consulted in the matter ; and the 
decision was made. 

The pawing hoofs of the venerable steed on the 
pavement in front of the house told that the appli- 
cant for Winfield was soon again at the door. The 
moment it opened, the clear voice of the still mounted 
lawyer made the earnest inquiry 

" Well, Mr. Hancock ! Avhat do you say ? I am all 
ready to complete the business. Shall Winfield go ?" 



HOW HE WAS MADE A CADET. 49 

"Yes, sir!" was the quiet response. 

In an instant more tlie horse and rider were gal- 
loping down the street, across the adjacent bridge, 
to the temporary residence of the incumbent con- 
gressman. 

The secret history of that early morning ride by 
that Pennsylvania civilian, on that petted old horse, 
of his interview with that member of congress, of 
their mutual conference and conjectures with regard 
to young Winfield, is all locked up in the past. 
What anticipations for the future of the boy glowed 
in the bosom of that rider are all buried with him 
in the grave. All unknown to us noAV are the hopes 
he indulged of the career of the cadet ; how fondly 
he may have imagined him realizing all his expec- 
tations ; succeeding in the admission ; passing the 
ordeal of three years of stud}^ ; receiving his com- 
mission and entering the army of the nation ; serv- 
ing the requisite term in subordinate positions, 
through drill, discipline, and the privations of camp, 
fortress, and march; encountering hunger, disease, 
fatigue and battle ; perhaps rising to eminence among 
the sons of the Republic who should graduate with 
him from those classic and warlike enclosures ; until, 
in bright perspective, the name of his youthful ]?ro- 



50 WIKFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

tege might be honored and distinguished in American 
military annals. 

That solitary rider on that patriotic mission passed 
near the hallowed shades of the Yalley Forge, and 
the vicinity of the sanguinary battle-ground of Paoli. 
The winding road carried him beside the silent grave 
of many a revolutionary hero, dying, unknown, in 
the early struggle of the colonies, for his God, for 
freedom and native land. The little hillocks were 
green with beauty as he galloped by them, and their 
sods seemed to whisper approval to him, in every 
bending blade of grass. Going in the light of the 
morning sun and returning in the cool shadows of 
the evening, the spirits of the heroic dead seemed to 
hover around him, as they ever do around all con- 
trolled by the loftiest purposes of the human heart. 
Beyond Avere the hillsides and gorges where Wash- 
ington, like an invincible eagle at ba}^, gathered his 
chosen troops around him, and resolved to suffer, 
and, if need be to die, in all the horrors of an half- 
starved and half-naked winter camp, rather than sur- 
render up the symbols of national liberty and hope 
committed to his hands by the American people. 
Here was the bridle-path he traversed, in his high 
emprise of duty. There he had his headquarters in 
the canvas tent. Yonder he counselled with the he- 



HO IF HE WAS MADE A CADET. 51 

roic Steuben and Knox, through the cold, dark nights, 
when the stars lighted up their vigils at the altar of 
freedom, and the fires of the bivouacs of her armed de- 
fenders glowed on the darkness of their lines beyond. 
Born in the entrenched mountain passes ; sheeted in 
the towering drifts of snow ; nursed at the breast of 
famine ; shielded by the bleeding arms of patriots ; 
soothed by the lullaby of the icy cradle of liberty, 
that rung with steel as it rocked in the stormy winds ; 
guarded by brave hearts, warm with the noblest re- 
solves that ever lived in the souls of men ; and, above 
all, overshadowed by the outspread wing of an Al- 
mighty Protector," the infant Genius of American In- 
dependence here passed in safety its first fearful 
ordeal of the Eevolutionary War. How bravely the 
native patriotism of our fatliers arose from that 
gloomy sepulchre at the Valley Forge, and how 
sternly it renewed its proof of resurrection, history 
has abundantly attested. Immediately after these 
scenes followed the deeds of valor they performed in 
the ensuing spring, at Trenton, on the banks of the 
Delaware ; compelling our enemies, with all their su- 
perior land and sea force, to retire from Philadel- 
phia ; and winning, against great odds, the glorious 
victories of Princeton and Monmouth, on the bloody 
sands oriSTew Jersev. 



52 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

On the return of that rider to Norristown, from 
amid such associations as these, in old Pennsylvania, 
the preparatory steps were completed with Mr. FoK- 
NANCE, the then member of Congress for that district, 
which resulted in making WiNFiELD Scott Han- 
cock a United States Cadet. 

So singular was the cause of the beginning of his 
public career. The rider and the horse are long 
since dead ; but how mysterious is the part they per- 
formed in thus preparing the way of one of the most 
distinguished of the military men of America ! 

" This is Thy work, Almighty Providence ! 
Whose power, beyond the stretch of human thought, 
Revolves the orbs of empire." 



CHAPTER V. 

HIS CAREER AT WEST POINT. 

" Had I a dozen sons — each in my love alike — I had rather have eleven 
die nobly for their country, than one voluptuously surfeit out of ac- 
tion." — Shah'S2)€are. 

AMERICAN history will always endorse the wis- 
dom of tlie Father of our Country in the selec- 
tion of West Point as a school for military purposes. 
Washington was deeply impressed with the vast 
strategic importance of that post during the Revolu- 
tionary War. The treasonable attempt of Arnold to 
betray it into the hands of the eneni}^, during the ab- 
sence of the Commander-in-chief, at ria]-tford, Con- 
necticut, to confer there with our French ally, Ro- 
chambeaU; on a plan for the then ensuing campaign 
of 1779, has shown its relative position as a means 
of internal defence, in a very striking light. It was 
eminently fitting that he should early designate this 
stronghold as a suitable spot for the establishment of 
a school for the instruction of American youth in the 
great work of national protection. Located on the 
5* (53) 



54 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

navigable waters of the Hudson river, in the midst 
of the most commanding hills, with a healthful and 
abundant country immediately surrounding it, having 
every facility for the construction of fortifications, 
the management of the engines of war and the move- 
ments of a sufficient number of troops, no military 
institution of its class in the world excels it. 

A¥iNFiELD Scott Hancock entered West Point 
as a cadet on the first of July, 1840, at the age of 16. 
At that time there were among his fellow cadets, most 
of them his seniors in age and entrance, such of our 
nation's military men as Lt. Gen. Geant, Gens. 
JuDAH, Pleasanton,- Hakdie, Eeynolds, Oed, 
Ingalls and Augue. His studies were of a nature 
to develop his talents in the right direction. Plans 
of fortifications, sections of embrasures, casemates, 
cannon and carriages, occupied his pen and pencil to 
advantage. Those who have -seen the specimens of 
the skill and patient industry of Winfield, in works 
of this description, attest to their excellence. 

The personal popularity which so marked him at 
home continued with the young cadet during the 
whole of his career at West Point. He frequently, 
after his graduation, expressed the opinion that he 
entered the academy too young; but it is not sup- 
posed that many agree with him. 



ms CAREER AT WEST POINT. 55 

While at West Point he was seen and conversed 
with for the first time by General Scott. It was the 
pleasure of the chieftain to express his satisfaction at 
the progress the modest youth was making. His 
kind expressions on that occasion will always be re- 
membered by all who heard them. 

The studies and service of West Point embrace a 
practical period of three years. During each term 
the cadet is regarded, as he was at his entrance, as a 
soldier of the nation, sworn to her defence by force 
of arms for four years after the time of his gradua- 
tion, and then to be held as indirectly expected to 
do duty under her colors. As he advances in studies 
he increases his military drill and practice ; passes 
through tests in the different arms of infantry, cav- 
alry, and artillery ; and learns, by actual service in 
amateur camps, the value of exercise, drill and dis- 
cipline in the manual of arms, the camp, and the 
field. Experience has now abundantly proved the 
practical value of this national military school. 

These are not the pages on which to record any 
additional testimonies in favor of the usefulness of 
West Point Academy to the nation. The war of 
1812, through all its vicissitudes, attested the fact ; 
it was repeated again in Mexico ; and it has been fre- 
quently and strongly reaffirmed during the national 



56 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

conflict witli tlie great rebellion of '61-4. If some 
of tlie sons of tlie Republic, educated carefully at her 
expense at West Point, have ungratefully turned 
against her^ and cruelly stung the bosom that warmed 
them into military life, the great body of the cadets 
have been and still are bravely true to the glorious 
ensign of the Union. 

The dry, quiet humor of Winfield developed itself 
at West Point; as it did in his boyhood at Korris- 
town. In spite of all conventional rules, it would 
occasionally find vent in various ways. One of these 
humors of the cadets in which he took part was to 
welcome outsiders, who were sometimes under the 
impression that they had only to offer themselves at 
the gates and they would be admitted at once to enter 
the ranks. This delusion was humorously dispelled 
by the accompanying engraving, which Avas designed 
and drawn by Cadet Hancock. (See engraving, 
'^JiNEiNG THE PiNT.") It is introduced here not 
merely to show one of the pleasantries of the Acad- 
emy, but the talents of General Hancock, as a deline- 
ator. In the West Point Album, that has been po- 
litely placed at our disposal for the purpose, are 
several other original specimens of his genius as an 
amateur artist, while the large drawings of forts, 
navy yards, and arsenals, displav in a favorable 



HIS CAREER AT WEST POINT. 57 

light his scientific attainments. Among these we 
have several elegantly drawn and finely colored out- 
lines of public buildings, at West Point, and national 
works at other places, with sketches of nature, cha- 
racters and scenes that do marked credit to his 
talents 

The youth of our country, who aspire to do her 
service — and what true American youth does not ? — • 
may well profit by the juvenile example and cadet 
experience of Winfield Hancock. He had no advan- 
tages over many a lad reading these pages. He had 
to contend with the same obstacles that beset others. 
The secret of his success, thus far, was that he was 
obedient to his parents ; he was found in his place at 
school ; he profited by the examples set before him 
by his Christian parents ; he neither despised nor 
shunned the duties connected with the instructions 
of the holy day ; he learned to prize honesty, virtue, 
truth, magnanimity, as above all price ; and when, 
therefore, he entered the trying arena of a great na- 
tional military institution, to contest for the guerdons 
of learning, self-control, position and power among 
men, he was in a good measure prepared for the 
ordeal. 

Young American readers ! the destinies of this 
o-reat nation are soon to be committed to your 



58 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

hands. Yon are to frame and execnte its laws ; to 
raise, eqnip, and maintain its defences ; to educate its 
masses, of which you yourselves are to be a part ; to 
earn and manage its finances ; to produce its crops, 
conduct its manufactures, display its arts, sail its ships, 
and represent it in all foreign lands. In a short time 
you are to fill the places of your fathers, who, in a 
single generation of thirty years, will have all passed 
away. 

Be worthy, then, as Winfield was, of the high 
trust about to be consigned to your control. Be up- 
right, be industrious, be obedient, be patriotic; and 
you will be fitting sons of the great American Re- 
public. 



CHAPTER VI. 

HIS NATIVE COUNTY. 

" The chief office of history is to rescue virtuous actions from the ob- 
livion to which a want of records might consign i\nim:'— Tacitus. 

rilHERE is much of deep historical interest in old 
\_ Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Before 
young WiNFiELD, one of her choicest native sons, 
had gone from her abode to his cadetship at West 
Point, before he had begun to reflect lustre on her 
name by his brilliant and patriotic career, the history 
of the county was well worthy of honorable mention. 
The settlement of this county was one of the ear- 
liest in the central part of the United States. As 
long ago as 1640, nearly half a century before the 
grant of William Penn was given to the first English 
proprietors, there were settlers along the banks of the 
Schuylkill and its tributaries, beyond the present 
boundaries of Norristown. The Plollander, the 
Swede, the Welshman, the German, the Englishman, 
were its primeval colonists, following in the track of 
the Algonquin, who then held supreme sway over all 

(59) 



60 WIKFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

the land, from the Hudson to the Delaware, and from 
tlie Catskills to the Alleghenies. 

Opened to civilization, it was separated from Phila- 
delphia in 1784. It covered an area of 317,440 acres 
— the manor of Norriton, now the borough of 
ISTorristown, then embracing, in the grant of William 
Penn to his son, 7,482 acres. The whole of this town 
site was valued, in 1704, at a little over $3,000. The 
present extent of the county is 30 miles in length, 
17 miles in breadth, and 490 square miles. Its pop- 
ulation in 1864 is 60,000. 

No county in Pennsylvania has justly more pride 
of character than Montgomery. Its founders were 
men of tenacious religious faith, fixed purpose, great 
industry, and determined perseverance. In the inte- 
rior townships there are many of the people who 
hold to the language which their ancestors brought 
across the ocean, with a tenacity that no changes of 
time, no inroads of progress, can relax. The tongues 
their fathers spoke centuries ago they speak to-day. 
A quiet, rural, thriving people, they are successful in 
their pursuits and hospitable to strangers. Around 
them, and all through the valley of the Schuylkill, 
the advance of the age has been steadily onward. 
The navigable streams ; the manufacturing water- 
courses ; the mines of iron, coal, and lead ; the quar- 



HIS NATIVE COUNTY. 61 

ries of marble, limestone; slate, and sandstone ; the 
foundries, kilns, factories, and forges, filling the rail- 
way, the river and the canal with their busy fruits 
of enterprise ; all unite to present a picture of Mont- 
gomery which the historian is grateful to be able to 
record. 

There are parts of this county that must ever be 
gloriously memorable in revolutionary annals. In 
1777, after the defeat of the American army at Bran- 
dywine, the region of Montgomery was much fre- 
quented by Washington and his patriot troops. On 
the 17th of September, of that year, the Americans 
moved to the north, toward the Schuylkill, by way 
of Yellow Springs, and encamped on the Perkiomen. 
All this spot, from Parker's Ford to Norristown, from 
Norristown to Swedes' Ford, from Swedes' Ford to 
Perkiomen, from Perkiomen to Whitemarsh, from 
Whitemarsh to Paoli, from Paoli to the Yalley Forge, 
is now sacred ground. It is to be remembered for- 
ever as one of the oldest battle-fields of liberty. 

The encampment of Sir William Howe, when 
Washington was fighting him for the protection of 
Philadelphia, was at one time on the present site of 
Norristown. Washington was at that moment but a 
few miles above. The cruel massacre of Paoli might 
have been shared by the then little settlement of Nor- 
6 



62 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

ristown, but for tlie special interposition of the 
Almiglity. An unexpected storm changed the whole 
nature of the campaign, and led the way for the with- 
drawal of the enemy from that section of the country. 

The remains of the revolutionary breastworks at 
Swedes' Ford will always stand as a memorial of the 
stubborn defence made against invasion by our pa- 
triot fathers. It was here the foreign invaders were 
met, and the fording of the troops of Washington 
protected. Only a short distance from this line of 
the county of Montgomery, the Father of our Coun- 
try passed, with his brave little army, to those terri- 
ble scenes at the Valley Forge, of which we have 
spoken in previous chapters. It was over this soil, 
now forever made consecrate by their touch, that the 
patriot soldiers tracked their way in blood to their 
wintry quarters, and to their future achievements for 
American independence. 

A fitting spot for the birthplace of Winfield 
Scott Hancock. From this historic point we now 
begin to trace his entrance on a more public career. 



CHAPTER VII. 

HIS FIRST CAMPAIGN. 

"I do not think a braver gentleman, 
More active valiant, or more valiant-young, 
More daring, or more bold, is now alive. 
To grace this latter age with noble deeds." 

Shakupeare. 

ON the 30th day of June, 1844, Cadet Hancock 
graduated at West Point, standing number 
eighteen in his class. He was promoted to a brevet 
second lieutenancy in the Sixth United States Eegu- 
lar Infantry, July 1st, 1844, and on the 18th of June, 
1846, received his commission as full second lieuten- 
ant in the same regiment. 

His first posts of duty in the army were in the far 
West — in the region of the Washita, on Eed Eiver. 
The valley of the Eed Eiver borders on the Indian 
territory, and contains extensive prairies, among 
which are large tracts of fine timber. The soil is 
equal to any in the world for fertility and durability. 
At the time Lieutenant Hancock was stationed in 

(63) 



64 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

that quarter, tlie hostile Indian tribes were quite 
troublesome to the settlers on the frontier. It re- 
quired skill and tact as well as courage on his part 
to discharge his important trust with propriety. 

On being transferred from the Red Eiver of the 
South, at Fort Towson, he was ordered to Fort 
"Washita, our most western military station. He 
continued at this post in the discharge of his rou- 
tine garrison duties until the spring of 1847, when, 
on the breaking out of the war with Mexico, he was 
ordered with his regiment to the front. 

Ilis first' part in battle was taken on the 20th of 
August, 1847, at Churubusco. The army of the cen- 
tre, under General Scott, had entered Mexico, via 
Yera Cruz, and was co-operating with the army of 
occupation, under General Taylor. The spirit of the 
Mexican government and people had been aroused, 
war having been formally declared against the United 
States. The victories of Taylor had signally pre- 
" pared the way, and the movements of our troops 
were onward. 

The Sixth United States Infantry, of which Win- 
field was now second lieutenant, was in command of 
Colonel J. S. Clarke, in this battle. 

The severe defeat of Santa Anna at Buena Yista, 



HIS FIRST CAMPAIGN. 65 

by General Taylor, had induced that Mexican chief 
to make the most extensive preparations for opposing 
the victorious advance of General Scott. Vera Cruz, 
the principal Mexican town on the seaboard, had 
fallen ; and, after winning several other victories to- 
ward the interior, the army of the centre was now on 
its way to the capital of Mexico. Two strong posi- 
tions had to be taken before the city could be assaulted 
— Molino del Eey, (the King's Mill,) and the castle of 
Chapultepec. In the advance on this important point, 
Lieutenant Hancock drew his sword in his earliest 
fights for his country. He was under the immediate 
command of Captain Hoffman, of the Sixth Infantry. 
The assault was made on the works of the enemy 
by the platoon in charge of Lieutenant Hancock, in 
company with Lieutenants Armistead, Sedgwick, 
Buckner, and Eosecrans — the last named ha,ving vol- 
unteered for the occasion from the Fifth Infantry. 

By order of General Worth, the battalion of the 
Sixth Infantry, in command of Captain Hoffman, 
formed in column and repeatedly charged the battery 
of the enemy. Lieutenant Hancock was now under 
fire for nearly the first time, like others of our ofiicers 
and men. The Second Artillery, under Captain 
Brooks and Lieutenants Daniels and Sedgwick, aided 

materially in our assault. The charge of our troops 
6* 



66 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

was continued until tlie enemy was driven from the 
field. 

At three o'clock in the morning of the 8th of Sep 
tember, 1847, he moved with the troops on the as- 
saulted batteries. The grey light of coming day had 
not yet tipped the heights around, when the two 
twenty-four-pounders placed in position opened on 
the solid stone walls of the enemy. No reply came ; 
and it was at first supposed that the Mexicans had 
abandoned the post. It soon appeared, however, that 
they had only changed their place of defence, and 
were beginning, from a new and unexpected point, to 
pour grape and round shot on our advancing flanks. 
It is inferred, from some circumstances afterwards 
revealed, that the Mexican commander had been in- 
formed of the manner of our approach by foreign 
spies. The assault of the enemy was severe ; cutting 
down our men in large numbers, killing and wound- 
ing eleven out of fourteen of our ofl&cers, and a like 
proportion in the ranks. On perceiving their tempo- 
rary advantage, the Mexicans rushed on our lines 
with their usual savage ferocity, and murdered our 
wounded troops in cold blood. 

Eeinforcements were now thrown rapidly forward 
by General Worth, who resolutely attacked the Mexi- 
can flank. The Mexican General Leon, who headed 



HIS FIRST CAMPAIGN. 67 

a spirited sortie from the walls of Molino del Eey, 
was wounded, several ofl&cers of liigli rank were 
killed, and the enemy driven back. The access to 
the foe was sought in a variety of ways. The 
walls were scaled by our daring men, the top of the 
building reached by cutting holes in the solid stone, 
by means of their bayonets ; the main gate was soon 
forced, and the troops rushed through with a shout 
that woke the echoes of the space beyond. A combat 
ensued, hand to hand. Door after door fell before 
the intrepid Americans ; rank after rank of the Mexi- 
cans were swept before them ; until a white flag of 
surrender appeared on the battered parapets. 

It was a sanguinary battle — by many considered 
the most so of any during the Mexican war. The 
enemy had a very strong position, entrenched on a 
commanding hill, surrounded by massive stone walls, 
and outnumbered us three to one. But we carried 
the post against all these odds, capturing eight hun- 
dred prisoners, although at a fearful loss of life in 
our own ranks. 

The next battle in which the young Lieutenant 
participated was that of the castle of Chapultepec. 
The edifice stands on a high, rocky promontory, 
nearly precipitous, and commands the entire country 
for miles around. The western slope is the only 



68 W INFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

point where the approach is at all gradual, and this 
is covered by a dense chapparal and forest, where the 
ground is ragged with rocks. 

On the 13th of September, of the same year, the 
battalion of the Sixth Infantry to which then Adjutant 
Hancock was attached, moved out from the conquered 
post of Molino del Key toward Chapultepec. It was 
at the early dawn. The shadows hung deep from 
tree to tree, from rock to rock. A large force of 
Mexicans lay hidden in the darkness. Our men felt 
their way along, when, coming all at once into a com- 
paratively open space, they found themselves con- 
fronted by the frowning battlements of the castle. 
The fight began instantly. An American color- 
bearer rushed forward to the ramparts, followed, with 
loud cheers, by a body of our men, who quickly 
placed ladders against the embattled walls, and be- 
gan to scale them. Shout now followed shout as 
the soldiers sprang up the ladders and bounded over 
the wall, in the very face of the enemy. The Mexi- 
cans were taken completely by surprise. They stood 
a moment in suspense, astonished at the audacity of 
the Americans, and then dashed down, some of them 
headlong, over the precipitous rocks. Shot and shell 
poured in upon the works, like an iron torrent;^ 
and it was not long ere the strong castle was a mass 



HIS FIRST CAMPAIGN. 69 

of ruins. A large number of prisoners surrendered 
to our gallant troops — among them General Bravo, 
and the surviving students of the Mexican National 
Militar}^ School. 

The part taken by the Sixth Infantry in this bril- 
liant battle is worthy of special mention. It was all 
the time actively engaged, including the command 
of Lieutenant Hancock, moving out from Molino del 
Eey by the left flank, and soon reaching the grove 
at the base of Chapultepec. A portion dashed up 
the hill in advance, of whom Hancock was one — the 
remainder joining from the left base of the castle, 
whither it had been detached to cut off the retreat 
of the enemy — until the whole regiment, with a 
grand huzza, swept into the thickest of the fight. 
The colors of the command were advanced into the 
enclosures of the castle, and the troops rallied gal- 
lantly around them. Entering the streets beyond, 
they found themselves confronted by a breastwork 
of masonry, and a large body of the enemy posted 
behind it. From this barricade and the tower and 
windows of the adjacent church, the street was 
swept by the fire of artillery and infantry. But our 
men moved steadily on. They passed to the rear, 
flanking the Mexicans, and reaching a large building, 
which they entered by force, and, commanding the 



70 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

balconies, poured their shot with telling effect on 
the foe. 

The Mexicans were forced back in disorder, aban- 
doning every position they had held. Onr men now 
seized new points, forcing their way with their bayo- 
nets and such missiles as could be used for the pur- 
pose, tearing holes in the houses with crowbars and 
pickaxes, until they had formed a garrison around 
them. Every movement they made brought their 
fire nearer the enemy. The picked marksmen of the 
Sixth, joined now by others of the Eighth, did terri- 
ble execution. Officer after officer fell rapidly before 
their deadly aim. The two opposing forces at this 
moment were not more than thirty yards apart from 
each other. 

Soon the disordered Mexicans began to waver ; 
then they broke and fled up the streets in dismay, 
our men pursuing with all their speed. It was lite- 
rally a race for life. The crashing of shells, the 
tumbling of walls, the roar of cannon, the whistling 
of bullets, the shouts of the advancing victors as 
they rushed through the sulphurous clouds surround- 
ing them, the flashes of their guns blazing like light- 
ning from their serried ranks, gave the scene one of 
the most thrilling aspects of the war. The hard- 



HIS FIRST CAMPAIGN. 71 

fouglit day was won ; and the Sixth regiment rested, 
with their comrades, on their victorious arms. 

Thus fell the castle, citadel, and town of Chapul- 
tepec. The Mexicans had barricaded their streets, 
intending to make secure use of the barricades and 
the adjacent houses to keep our men at bay. They 
supposed they would be able to destroy us all, by 
means of their protected fire. They had not calcu- 
lated on our leaving these defences unattacked, thus 
preventing exposure in the open streets, and burrow- 
ing our way under cover, to their rear, through the 
dismantled walls of their own houses. 

The enemy fought desperately during this terrible 
contest of four days. But it was all in vain. At the 
end of the fourth day the whole garrison was surren- 
dered, the Mexicans, as some return for their acknow- 
ledged valor, being permitted to march out with the 
honors of w^r. 

In the reports of the officers in command of the 
attacking force, the conduct of Lieutenant Hancock is 
repeatedly mentioned. In August, 1848, he was bre- 
veted first lieutenant for his gallant and meritorious 
bearing in these actions — his brevet dating from the 
20th of August, 1847. 

It was his privilege to be present when commis- 
sioners reached the American camp with proposals 



72 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SOX. 

of peace. Terms of accommodation were proposed 
by them, but General Scott refused to listen to any 
but those of surrender. The morning following their 
arrival, on the 14th of September, 1847, the old hero, 
at the head of six thousand men, regulars and volun- 
teers, marched into the conquered city, and the colors 
of the United States waved from the palace of the 
Montezumas. A treaty of peace was negotiated at 
Guadaloupe Hidalgo, on the 2d of February, 1848 ; 
and on its ratification at Washington, which occurred 
soon after, the Mexican war was brought to a close. 

The part taken by Lieutenant Hancock in this war 
was further acknowledged in a series of resolutions 
adopted by the Legislature of his native State; in 
which his name, with those of other Pennsylvania sol- 
diers, was mentioned with honor, and the document 
containing them placed in his hands. 

He remained with the American army as it with- 
drew from Mexico, serving a portion of that time 
under Brigadier General Cadwalader, at Toluca. 
Before leaving, he was made Eegimental Quarter- 
master of the Sixth regiment. He was among the 
last of oar troops that left Mexico, and saw the Mexi- 
can flag take the place of ours, when the city was 
turned over to the Mexican government. He was 
next stationed on the Upper Mississippi, at Fort Craw- 



IS A GAIN ST A TIONED. 73 

ford, Prairie clu CHen, Wisconsin, where he remained 
until the summer of 1849. 

Fort Crawford is pleasantly situated on an elevated 
part of Prairie du Chien, on the site of the old French 
town of that name, overlooking the Mississippi river, 
flowing in front of it. The rapid settlement and 
extension of our Northwestern frontier having ren- 
dered this post of little value, in a military point of 
view, it was abandoned by the government of the 
United States a few years after Lieutenant Hancock 
left it. The buildings still stand, all desolate and 
lonely, in view of the passer-by on the river. The 
silent spot is as quiet now as it was when the Indian 
first planted his foot on the shore, or his canoe had 
skimmed along the waters in front — an emblem, at 
once, of the advance of the power of civilization and 
the retreat of the wild savage before it. The de- 
scendants of the emigrants who first penetrated these 
once unbroken wilds will call to mind, as they look 
on the ruins of the old fort, the days when their 
ancestors roamed the forests beyond, or sped their 
way along the bosom of the Father of Waters. How 
changed the scene in the rapid march of years ! The 
steamboat is on the river — the rail-car is on the land 
— but the Indian and the pioneer, where are they ? 

Prairie du Chien is a point of some importance in 



74 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

the West. It has been for several years the western 
terminus of a railway, connecting the Mississippi 
with the East. It is now the starting point of ano- 
ther road, running still further West through the 
prairie land. The town is beautifully located, and 
the capital of Crawford county, Wisconsin. It is 
about one hundred miles west of Madison, the capital 
of that fine and growing State. 



CHAP TER VIII. 
HIS PROMOTION. 

"With master-spirits of the world, 

The brave man's courage, and the student's lore, 
Are but as tools his secret ends to work, 
Who hath the skill to use them." 

Joanna Baillie. 

DUEING tlie year 1849 Lieutenant Hancock was 
promoted to tlie post of regimental Adjutant. 
This position he retained until the autumn of 1855, 
being stationed throughout the whole of that period, 
six years, at St. Louis and Jefferson Barracks, Mis- 
souri. The Barracks are on the Mississippi, about 
twelve miles below St. Louis. He was on the staff 
of Brigadier General N. S. Clakke, an accomplished 
soldier and gentleman, then commanding the Sixth 
Infantry, and with whom he had served in Mexico. 

On the 24th of January, 1850, he was married to 
Miss Almika Eussell, daughter of Mr. Samuel Rus- 
sell, a much esteemed merchant of St. Louis. She 
is a lady of good sense and accomplishments, worthily 
filling the position she has been called to occupy. 

(75) 



76 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

They have two interesting children — a boy^ named 
from his grandfather, Russell, now fourteen years 
old, and a daughter, of eight, named Ada Elizabeth. 
The wife and children of the then Lieutenant — now 
General — Hancock have been but rarely separated 
ffom him, until the present rebellion. They are now 
residing at " Longwood" — the elegant and delightful 
home of the RussELLS, a few miles from St. Louis. 

In the month of November, 1855, through the ex- 
ertions of the Honorable Johk Cadwalader, (then 
member of Congress for the district in which his 
birth-place is situated,) he was appointed an Assist- 
ant Quartermaster, with the rank of Captain. 

In the summer of 1842, while yet a cadet, Winfield 
first returned home from West Point — a furlough of 
two months being allowed each cadet in the middle 
of the four years' term. It was pleasant to the young 
officer, now about eighteen years of age, to revive the 
scenes of his boyhood. He had not forgotten home. 
His father had accompanied him, two years before, 
as he entered the Academy, and he now greeted him, 
with the mother by his side, to the dear homestead 
of other days. Instructions and counsels were re- 
newed. The worship at the family altar revived the 
sacred impressions of truth within his heart. Here, 
too, the proofs of his earlier devotion to science were 



REVISITS HOME. 77 

reviewed ; the specimens he had labelled were re- 
examined ; the home-made galvanic apparatus he had 
helped to construct, and which had served to illustrate 
his private lectures before his classmates, and his 
more public performances in the old academy then 
on Airy street, was tenderly handled, and carefully 
readjusted, ere it was passed by in silence ; and the 
whole paraphernalia of his incipient love of learning 
were more safely placed away in the recesses of the 
mansion, where they still remain. 

The large, two-storied brick building on Airy street, 
Norristown, will long be remembered as the spot 
where Winfield and his associates of early days went 
to school. It was situated at the end of DeKalb 
street, looking down the whole length to the bridge 
crossing the Schuylkill, half a mile in front. The 
site was commanding, and well adapted for such a 
purpose. The view on all sides was very fine. The 
town lay on the gentle slope beneath, with here and 
there a spire jutting up against the sky, in the fore- 
ground. At the sides and in the rear the cultivated 
fields and gardens spangled the landscape with grass 
and flowers, while overhanging trees skirted the 
edges with their variegated fringes of beauty. The 
lovely Schuylkill swept gently on in the distance, its 
surface dotted by an occasional boat, and its mirrored 

7* 



78 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

waters reflecting tlie multiplying and ever-changing 
pictures of earth and sky. The modest hills stood 
silent beyond, clad in their sweet robes of misty blue, 
as if reluctant to cast their shadows too long or too 
deeply on the quiet rural scene. Happy school-boy 
days ! Who can forget them ? Who would forget 
them, if he could ? 

The principal of the academy, in the period when 
Winfield was one of its scholars, was Mr. Eliphalet 
Roberts — now a teacher in Philadelphia. His inte- 
rest in the subject of this biography was always 
strong and deep. We shall have occasion, in the 
course of these pages, to show with what propriety 
General Hancock recognized the teacher of his boy- 
ish years, when we come to speak of his public re- 
ception in that city, during his visit of the year 1863. 

Mr. Roberts was succeeded in the academy and as 
a teacher to Winfield by Mr. William Hough, who 
was himself deeply interested in scientific subjects, 
and who took peculiar pleasure in fostering Win- 
field's love of chemistry and electricity. 

When the Norristown High School was established, 
under the superintendence of Mr. Ashbel G. Harned, 
Jr. — a gentleman who was very popular and success- 
ful as a teacher — Winfield was among his most favor- 
ite pupils. He remained at this school, making good 



REVISITS HOME. 79 

progress in his studies, until just previous to his 
leaving home to become a cadet. 

But with all these scholastic advantages, let it 
never be forgotten, especially by our young readers, 
that very much that Winfield was, and now is, he 
owes to the influence and instructions of home. Both 
his parents are deservedly much respected for their 
great moral and religious worth ; for their useful and 
unselfish lives. Their part in life has been, and still 
is, an earnest one — whether for the benefit of their 
family or mankind at large. In the pursuit of busi- 
ness, in the performance of duties of every kind ; 
superintending or teaching in the Sunday school^ 
which is at the distance of a mile from their resi- 
dence, across the river ; attending to the intellectual 
wants, the spiritual aspirations of scores of these dis- 
tant children, through the heat of summer and the 
cold of winter ; visiting the sick, caring for the poor, 
relieving the oppressed ; thus are the lives of the 
honored father and mother of Winfield ripening into 
the fruitage of holy deeds, and preparing for the 
awards of a glorious immortality. The chief charac- 
teristics of his father are energy, perseverance, cau- 
tion, sound judgment, and good sense. His opinions 
have ever been highly valued by all who know him. 
No man has been more frequently called to adjudicate 



80 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

responsible cases, to allay exciting difficulties, to set- 
tle estates, or to manage the trust funds of the people. 
The life of Benjamin Franklin Hancock is an honor 
to his name. 

Mrs. Hancock, the mother, possesses equally marked 
traits of character, of a different type. A kinder, 
more benevolent, unselfish woman it would be ex 
tremely difficult to find. Her name is a sweet savor 
of sincere Christian piety wherever she is known. 

It is perfectly safe to say that many of the promi- 
nent traits in the distinguished character of General 
Hancock may be directly traced to the moulding 
influence of his parents. 

His military education and life, and the opportu- 
nity afforded by his influential part in the suppression 
of the great rebellion, have developed in a remarka- 
ble degree the qualities that began to show them- 
selves in his boyhood, and that Avere guided and fos- 
tered at home. His ability to command, his facility 
in controlling great masses of armed men, his skill 
in the use of means, his patient industry in overcom- 
ing difficulties, his dashing energy to accomplish 
great objects in the midst of -danger, may all be 
' traced back, like living streams from the living foun- 
tain, to the hidden power of that one word — Home. 

The old two-storied school house nearDeKalb street 



REVISITS HOME. 81 

has been swept away by the march of improvement. 
Not a vestige of it remains ; and even its site is 
now hidden from view, being demanded by the exten- 
sion of the street; for the purposes of travel. Here, 
where whole generations of children have studied 
and played together, where the hum of busy search- 
ers after knowledge has sounded from the quiet walls, 
like the music of bees in and around the silent hive ; 
where the gray-haired or more juvenile teachers have 
filled their tripod with alternate jo3^s of victory and 
sorrows of defeat ; where from this spot, once so sacred 
to learning in other days, have gone forth the boys 
who have filled their places in society, grown old as 
the teacher was, and passed, like him, away, — all now 
is given up to the rush of business, the passage of 
hurrying or tardy feet, the roll of wheels, and the 
tramp of horses. But, with all these and other 
changes, forever cherished shall be the memory of 
the old Airy street school-house in Norristown. 



CHAPTER IX. 

ORDERED TO FLORIDA. 

" Be it thy aim to be useful in private, than, rather, in thy youth, to 
be too conspicuous." — Proverb. . 

DUEING the year 1856, when Winfield filled the 
post of Quartermaster, ranking as Captain, of 
the Sixth United States Infantry, he was stationed 
in Florida. A part of this time of service was spent 
near Saint Angustine. This is a commanding posi- 
tion, a city, port of entry, and capital of St. John's 
county. It is two hundred miles east of Tallahassee, 
and one hundred and sixty south of Savannah. It 
has the distinction of being the oldest town in the 
United States, having been settled by the Spaniards 
in 1565. Its location on the navigable waters of 
Matanzas Sound, only two miles from the Atlantic 
ocean, (from which it is separated by the island of 
Anastasia,) gives it a marked commercial and naval 
importance. 

The city stands on a plain, only a few feet above the 

(82) 



ORDERED TO FLORIDA. 83 

level of the ocean. The streets are nearly all built 
on the old Spanish pattern, being only from ten to 
eighteen feet wide. The houses and public buildings 
are usually low, the former being not more than two 
stories high, and all made of durable materials, the 
stone or shell mixture of the sea shore. The upper 
stories of the dwellings and stores project over the 
streets, so that passengers crowd along the narrow 
side-walks under the hanging verandas, while the 
horses, mules, and cattle straggle and jostle their way 
through the narrow avenues. Beside the county 
buildings there are four churches, a newspaper, and 
a United States land office. 

The harbor of Saint Augustine is safe and com- 
modious, but the bar at the entrance prevents the 
approach to the wharves of large ships, having 
only nine or ten feet of water, at low tides. The 
climate is mild and pleasant ; the cool, refreshing 
breezes from the contiguous sea rendering the spot a 
favorite resort for invalids. Beautiful trees abound 
— the olive, the palm, the orange, and the lemon. 
The loveliest birds of the continent crowd the air, 
while choice fish and game are in abundance. Navi- 
gation is carried on between St. Augustine and New 
Orleans, Savannah, and other sea-ports, so that the 
town has become one of the largest in Florida. 



84 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

The location of Winfield was at Fort Meyers, in 
tlie vicinity of Saint Augustine, where he remained 
in active service until the year 1857. 

It was at this place he occupied his talents as a 
delineator in making drawings of the ground-plans 
of the old Forts and adjacent surroundings — a 
woi'k that still remains at the home of his parents 
— a worthy sign of his skill and industry as a 
draughtsman. 

On the 7th of November, 1856, having been as- 
signed to more active duties in the United States 
Quartermaster General's Department, for the Western 
District, he was ordered to the United States territory 
of Utah, on the slope of the Pacific ocean, and to 
accompany General Harney on his expedition to 
Kansas and the regions beyond. 

Many persons, especially those abroad, who are 
aware of the existence of the crime of pol3^gamy in 
Utah, are not conversant with the fact that it is 
several thousand miles distant from the natioual 
government, at Washington. Bad as the influence 
of that crime is on its immediate participants, and on 
the aboriginal tribes around, it should be remembered 
that those Avho practice it are mostly foreiguers, and 
that the United States are no more responsible for it, 
in a governmental point of view, than is England for 



IN CALIFORNIA. 85 

the superstitions of her colonies in India. There is 
a moral obligation resting on all Christian people to 
root out and scatter forever this disgraceful evil; but, 
so long as its upholders maintain an organization in 
unison with the national constitution, called a ^repub- 
lican form of government,' they cannot be purged 
by force of arms. The time will surely come when 
this great violence to the civilization and Christianity 
of the nineteenth century will be removed. 

From Utah Captain Hancock was transferred to 
California, and stationed at Benicia. He was for 
some time in the Quartermaster's Department there, 
in intimate association with that superior United 
States officer, General Silas Casey. 

Benicia is located at an important point on the 
Pacific slope of the Union, and was at one time the 
capital of California. It stands on a commanding 
eminence, at the junction of the Strait of Karquenas 
with the Bays of San Pablo and Suisun. The waters 
of the vicinity are all navigable for quite large ves- 
sels, which extend their voyages up the river to Sac- 
ramento, the present State capital. 

The appearance of the country around Benicia is 
remarkable. Not a tree or shrub is to be seen in all 
its borders. The high mountain called 'Monte Dia- 
blo,' or Devil's Mountain, presents one of the wildest 
8 



86 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

objects in the world. Its jagged sides, its black, tow- 
ering peaks, its cavernous cliffs, where the spent vol- 
canic action of bygone ages has left its deep lines 
on the rifted chasms, where the thick clouds hang 
their sulphurous vapors, where terrific thunders roll 
and lurid lightnings flash, and where the upper winds 
sweep with melancholy music the chords of the lofty 
trees that crown the cold, barren summit, all unite to 
render this mountain a prominent feature in the land- 
scape to the traveller, as they have long caused it to 
be a centre of superstitious reverence and dread to 
the ignorant aborigines. On these awful and dreary 
heio-hts their Avild imao-inations have reared the 
throne of the satanic presence, and surrounded it 
with the spectral illusions of a spirit-land. The 
voice of the raging winds on the towering peak is to 
them the speaking of their infernal deity. The crash- 
ing thunder is the echo of his wrath, and the light- 
ning's blaze is the glare of his kindled eye. For 
ages past they have not dared to go up the sides of 
their' deified mountain beyond a certain point; and 
here, like the children of Israel in the desert, around 
the base of Blount Sinai, they have paused and stood 
aghast with trembling awe. Even to this day, only 
here and there a solitary pilgrim pierces through the 
thick veil that hangs over these fearful heights; and, 



IN CALIFORNIA. 87 

casting aside the superstitions of the past, and gazing 
on the glorious picture of the handiwork of the true 
Deity that lives and glows on every hand beneath 
him, with Christian adoration 

'* Looks through nature up to nature's God." 

To reach Benicia, Captain Hancock had crossed a 
large portion of our North American continent. He 
learned much of the country on the great plains, its 
people, its climate, its resources, its mineral treasures, 
its rivers and inland seas ; until, leaving the almost 
extreme southern shore of our Atlantic possessions, 
he stood in sight of those on the almost northern 
verge of the Pacifi-c. 

From this post he was transferred to the old Span- 
ish town of Los Angeles — or the town of the angels 
— located in the part of the West known as Lower 
California. Here he was stationed for two years, 
still occupying his responsible position in the Depart- 
ment of the Quartermaster General of the United 
States. 

Los Angeles is located in one of the most beauti- 
ful regions in America. The coast ranges of mou.n- 
tains lift their breezy summits above its site, while 
teeming hillsides slope away toward the sea, and 
flowery valleys and fruitful plains skirt the scene be- 
yond. The climate is one of the most delightful on 



88 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

the earth. The warm airs of the plains, cooled by 
those from the mountains as they meet and mingle 
together in friendly intercourse, produce an atmo- 
sphere which it is the perfection of refreshment to 
inhale. The soil around produces a variety of the 
most different seeds and fruits ; potatoes and oranges, 
corn and figs, wheat and lemons, pears and pome- 
granates, melons and dates, wheat and rice, tobacco 
and grapes, cotton and buckwheat, sugar-cane and 
apples', grow and flourish side by side. The moun- 
tain breast of a bank may be painted Avhite with dis- 
solving snow, while the slope toward the valley is all 
variegated with the hues of flowers. 

In this salubrious and genial clime Captain Han- 
cock made his home for two years. The great mining 
interests of the rich region adjacent drew many 
American and other settlers around him, and his 
position required the exercise of much executive 
ability. His influence was sensibly felt, and became 
quite extensive through all that part of Lower 
California. 

AYhen the rebellion of 1861 broke out in the United 
States, his voice and example were potential in arous- 
ing and extending the spirit of patriotism among the 
people. The peculiar character of a large portion 
of the immigrants to that section, especially those 



IN CALIFORNIA. 89 

from the seceded and disaffected States of the Union, 
rendered them uneasy in the crisis that had so unex- 
pectedly broken on the nation. Many of this class 
were Southerners by birth and education. Their 
kindred and their property left behind were in the 
South. They sympathized with secession ; their 
hearts were with the rebels, and they longed for op- 
portunities to take up arms in their cause. Popular 
outbreaks of the most violent nature were constantly 
threatened on every hand. There was the most 
imminent danger that the whole of that large and 
rich region of country would be swept away from 
its moorings to the Union, and borne down by 
mob violence into the vortex of treason to the 
old flag. 

At this critical moment it demanded all the cool- 
ness, calmness, and courage of Captain Hancock to 
do his part in quelling the rising storm. Should it 
prevail to any extent, his own department would be 
the first to feel and suffer from its fury. The sup- 
plies and munitions of war his command was enabled 
to furnish, were tempting prizes to the traitorous 
bands that were forming and holding their gather- 
ings all around him. Some went so far as to boast 
of what they would do in possessing themselves of 
the United States commissary articles and means of 
8* 



90 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

•iefence committed to "his charge ; while others, more 
openly rampant, threatened to tear down the national 
colors. 

In the midst of all this tem^pest of passion and 
fanaticism, Hancock stood firm. His personal influ- 
ence, as we have said, was great, and he exerted it 
now to the utmost. He rose to the emergencies of 
the occasion, and appealed directly to the patriotism 
of his countrymen. AVith the seditious aliens who 
were active in fomenting disturbances, who had 
nothing in common with the citizens who controlled 
the government by their votes, he was bold, strong, 
firm ; yielding not an inch to their insolent demands, 
and presenting the courage of a patriot heart and 
the force of a gallant arm to their treasonable 
threats. 

Thus Hancock met these distant and isolated 
traitors in one of their own strongholds. Thus he 
upheld, on that far-off Pacific slope, the flag of his 
country, the integrity of the Union, and the rights 
of man. His course in Lower California met the 
approval of the government and of all our country- 
men who are conversant with its high merits. His 
name will ever be honored on account of it, not only 
on the shores of the Pacific, but those of the At! an- 



IN CALIFORNIA. 91 

tic, all througli tlie United States. He had tlie hap- 
piness to witness the subsidence of this incipient 
rebellion, and to hear the crj awake and continue to 
resound on every hand : 

"Forever float that standard sheet! 

Where breathes the foe but falls before ua? 
With freedom's soil beneath our feet, 
And freedom's banner waving o'er us !" 



CHAPTER X. 

IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 

" Take heed 

How you awake our sleeping sword of war! 

We charge you, in the name of God, take heed !" 

Old Play. 

AT his own earnest request, Quartermaster Han- 
cock was transferred from his responsible but 
comparatively quiet post on the Pacific, to the more 
active scenes that stirred the pulses of the Atlantic 
coast, at the middle of the year 1861. His position 
in California was one of great relative importance; 
but the routine duties of a Quartermaster had never 
been suited to the energetic and courageous character 
of such a man as he has proved himself to be. As 
soon, therefore, as the necessary ojfficial preliminaries 
could be effected, he was on his way to the field of 
battle. 

In the month of September, 1861, he landed in 
New York. Without stopping even a moment to 
visit his parents, at Norristown, although he had now 

(9L>) 



IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 93 

been absent from them over two years, in a distant 
part of ttie country, lie pushed on, within a few hours 
of his arrival, to Washington, and immediately re- 
ported himself to the War Department, ready for 
active service. His mind was deliberately made up 
to the great issue. His life was again in his hand 
for his beloved country. His valuable services were 
at once accepted, and he placed in the front of the 
fight. 

Here let us pause a moment, and take a survey of 
the field. 

When, in the month of N'ovember, 1860, a large 
majority of the voters of America had declared the 
present incumbent constitutionally elected President 
of the United States, it was clearly the duty of the 
minority to abide by the law, and yield obedience to 
the verdict. If they had been fairly outvoted at this 
election — and it is not pretended by any one but 
they were — the fundamental oaths, the democratic 
canons of the country, affirmed that the government 
should still be maintained, the laws administered, the 
powers and emoluments of office transmitted, until a 
new trial should confirm or reverse the result. The 
same sacred right of suffrage had been enjoyed by 
all the electors of the nation. Three parties, with 
distinct national issues, were in the arena; but all 



94 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

three openly swore allegiance to the same national 
standard, and vowed devotion to the same national 
Union. Secession, Disunion, Rebellion, were not in 
that presidential canvass. The election, with its 
greatly increased vote, with all the momentous and 
exciting issues at stake, was one of the most quiet 
ever held in the country. ISTo one was molested in 
public or private discussions of the vast questions 
involved in the contest. There was not a life lost at 
the polls, where millions of men, each one as free and 
as good as another in the eye of the law, marched to 
the ballot-boxes of their voting precincts, and cast 
their votes for the candidates of their choice. No one, 
in all that vast host of qualified sufiragants, of equal 
peers, yea, of reigning sovereigns, could with pro- 
priety rudely ask or threaten his fellow at the polls : 

"Under which king, Bezonian ? 
Speak, or die !" 

Every intelligent elector was his own king. Every 
responsible vote he cast was his own royal edict. 

We have said the questions of Secession, Disunion 
and Eebellion were not in this great constitutional 
contest of voters. It is not to be understood by this 
historical statement, however, that the relative value 
of, and purpose to continue, the Union, were not 
passed upon by the people in that election. On the 



IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 95 

contrary, they were so passed upon, and tliat, too, 
in tlie most decided, unequivocal manner. That 
vote of that large majority of the American people 
was, in fact, a strong, clear, emphatic constitu- 
tional endorsement of the Union of the States by 
the highest power in the land known to the laws. 
It was the sovereign verdict of the United States 
that the United States should continue. It was 
the constitution re-indorsing the constitution. It 
was the Union again pouring its own life blood 
through the living cycle of the Union. It was a 
national salute to the national flag, wherever it floated, 
around the world.- Could anything of the kind be 
more nationally significant? Could anything be 
more nationally potential? 

Thus stood the case when the final announcement 
of the decision was flashed along the electric wire, 
from the Atlantic, on the East, to the Pacific, on the 
West ; from the inland seas, on the North, to the 
Gulf of Mexico, on the South. 

What then? What became the duty of the ma- 
jority ? What became, also, the duty of the minority ? 
It was the duty of the one to assume the reins of gov- 
ernment, and conduct the public affairs of the country 
in the spirit and precepts of its founders ; with becom- 
ing gravity to count and publish the votes of the 



96 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

different electoral colleges^ in the consecrated halls 
of the several legislatures ; to sign, seal, certify and 
forward the official ballot to the national archives, in 
the national capital, and make proclamation of the 
nation's choice ; to inaugurate the man of that choice 
with all the solemn forms and rituals of law known 
to the constitution and established by the precedents 
of the fathers ; to require that chosen man, and his 
associates in the offices in which, as the vicegerents 
of the people, the people had just placed them, to 
take upon their souls, in the presence of Almighty 
God and of all witnesses, the most sacred oaths ever 
administered from man to man, the record of which 
is to be forever on high. 

Thus elected, thus inaugurated, by the virtue of 
the power they derived from their constituents, the 
people of America, what could or. can these men do 
but obey their commands? Have a majority of this 
people declared by their votes that they hold their 
Union to be a mere confederation of States? No. 
Have they admitted, for a moment, since they became 
a distinct nation, that they held their constitution to 
be a mere treaty between independent sovereignties ? 
No. Have they delegated the powers invested by them 
in a consolidated nation, to be divided up between 
thirty-six or more distinct nationalities ? No. Have 



IN THE WAR FOR THE LWION. 97 

tliey, at any time, given up tlieir right, entrnstecl to 
their national rulers, to declare war and make peace, to 
negotiate treaties, to establish a currency, to regulate 
commerce between the separate States, or to punish 
treason, as a nation ? No. 

What then ? The United States are a nation — a 
nation intact, sovereign, independent ; composed of 
States that are separate as to their State rights, yet 
as to the Union in a nation, 

" Distinct, as the billows, yet one, as the sea." 

This was the view, and the only view, taken of our 
national existence by the great Father of our Coun- 
try, and by all the patriots and statesmen who founded 
the Eepublic. To put in practice as a nation any 
other doctrine than this, is deliberately to commit 
national suicide, and lay the last hope of liberty and 
constitutional government on the American continent 
in the darkness and silence of the grave. 

The election of a constitutional President of the 
United States having, then, been constitutionally de- 
clared, with all the solemnities of national law, what 
moral insanity, what political frenzy, what intellectual 
madness must have possessed those leading men of 
the Southern part of our Union, who, because they 
were fairly defeated in a fair election, without wait- 
ing for the action of the government their fellow- 



98 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

citizens of the Eepublic had thus chosen, lifted the 
black standard of treason against the nation of their 
fathers and ours, and plunged the whole land, includ- 
ing millions of helpless women and little children, in 
all the horrors of a fratricidal war ! 

" Patriot and faction, 
Like oil and water mix, when strongly shaken; 
But never can unite — disjoined by nature." 

It was in this spirit that Captain Hancock enlisted 
in the war for the Union. He had seen in California, 
and in other parts of the country, the malign influ- 
ences that began the war on the part of Disunion. 
He saw now that one or the other must perish. To 
refuse to fight under the flag that had made him all 
that he was as a military man, and that was sacred to 
him and all other patriots by all its glorious antece- 
dents, was not only to prove himself the vilest of 
ingrates, but it was to participate in the crimes of 
those guilty men who, having failed in their attempts 
to continue to rule the country, were now madly bent 
on its ruin. As a patriot, bearing the honored names 
of a patriot soldier and statesman, his course was 
plain. He heard the trumpet call of duty, and hasted 
to obey the summons. His cadet vows were yet upon 
him, and gratefully and proudly he renewed them at 
the altar of the Union. Pie at once accepted the post 
assigned him, and entered with noble ardor on that 



IN THE WAE FOR THE UNION. 99 

career for the complete suppression of the rebellion, 
which we shall continue further to depict. 

With all his brilliancy and dash as a soldier, Han- 
cock did not participate in the scenes of war we are 
describing; from a mere love of fighting. He chose 
the profession of arms in his youth from a conviction 
of duty. He now continued in it, in his manhood, 
actuated by the patriotic belief that ^resistance to 
tyrants is obedience to Grod.' 

We put on record here his avowal of the princi- 
ples that guide him in all contests for our country. 
They are contained in a recent letter of his to a friend, 
to whom we and our readers are deeply indebted for 
many of the important facts embodied in this volume. 

These are his own words : 

"My politics aee of a peactical kind. The 

INTEGKITY OF THE COUNTKY. ThE SUPKEMACY OP 

THE fedeeal goveenment. An honoeable peace. 



Far dearer the grave, or the prison, 
Illumed by one patriot name, 

Than the trophies of those who have risen 
On liberty's ruin to fame." 



CHAPTER XL 

BEGINNING THE UNION WAR. 

"Shall I ask the brave soldier, who fights by my side, 
In the cause of mankind, if our creeds agree?"' 

Moore. 

AT the time of his reporting for duty in Wash- 
ington, in the month of September, 1861, Captain 
Hancock was thirty-eight years of age. He had served 
his country in the various positions assigned him in 
the army during a period of seventeen years. The 
most of this service had been rendered in Mexico, or 
west of the Mississippi river, and in the everglades 
of Florida. 

In all the ranks of the army, among of&cers and 
men, he stood deservedly high. By his strict devo- 
tion to duty, his invariable courage, energy and pa- 
triotic enthusiasm, he had secured the confidence and 
attachment of all who knew him. Correct in his 
personal habits, polite, affable, friendly with all, un- 
selfish and hospitable, he was a favorite wherever he 
went. 

(100) 



BEGINNING THE UNION WAR. 101 

He had liis own opinions on all national questions, 
and was prepared to express and defend tliem. Al- 
though never a politician, and not even a voter, his 
sympathies and convictions had always been with the 
Democratic party. But, like a true patriot, he never 
gave up to party what was due to mankind. He was 
firm and conscientious in the belief that Secession 
was Disunion ; that Disunion was civil war — a crime 
against the honor, welfare and happiness of the 
American people. He had proved his stand on this 
issue by his patriotic course against the first dawn- 
ings of every attempt at Disunion, in California. By 
his personal presence and voice on that occasion, he 
had not only stemmed the incipient risings of the 
foul tide of treason, but he had rendered signal ser- 
vice to the Union by addressing the inhabitants in 
public on several occasions, and organizing and 
directing that public sentiment which exerted so 
potential an influence in maintaining the loyalty of 
that part of the Golden State in which he resided. 

He proclaimed everywhere, and was always ready 
to maintain the opinion — if need be, with his trusty 
sword — that no grievances of which the citizens of 
the Southern States might justly complain, could 
warrant or empower them to revolt against the con- 

«titutional government of the nation. His great- 
9* 



102 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

grandfather and grandfather had both fonght in the 
war of the Ee volution and in that of 1812, with 
Great Britain, to establish and perpetuate the Union 
of the States. It was not for him, who had sprung 
from such an ancestry, who had received such patri- 
otic lessons in his bojdiood, who had taken such ob- 
ligations and acquired such a national education in 
the Military Academy belonging to all the Union, 
and who had already done valiant service under the 
time-honored flag of his country, basely now to prove 
recreant to all these inspirations of duty, with igno- 
minious cowardice to sheathe his sword in ignoble 
ease, or with infamous treachery to wield it against 
the dear-bought liberties of his native land. 

Acting on these high-toned convictions as an Amer- 
ican patriot, he had offered his services, at the moment 
of the first outrages of the rebellion, to the Governor 
of Pennsylvania. As a native of the State, as a 
thoroughly-educated soldier of the Regular Army, 
as an officer of established bravery and popularity 
with his troops, his valuable services would have 
been gladly accepted in such a command. But be- 
fore the arrangement could be consummated he was 
on duty at Washington, in the service of the United 
States. Here he was immediately assigned to the 
post of Chief Quartermaster, on the staff of General 



BEGINNING THE UNION WAR. 103 

Egbert Akdeeson", the hero of Fort Sumter, who 
had been placed in command of the Union forces in 
his native State of Kentucky. 

While preparing to comply with this order of the 
War Department, only a very few days after his return 
from his post in California, he was proposed to the 
government by General McClellan, then General- 
in-Chief of the army, for a commission as Brigadier 
General. This proposal was made unexpectedly to 
Captain Hancock:, and without any solicitation on 
the part of his friends. The appointment was de- 
cided on his merits alone, and as such made by Presi- 
dent Lincoln, on the 23d of September, 1861. It 
was at once accepted, and the new Brigadier prepared 
himself for active service. 

His experience in the cause of his country had 
already been varied and extensive. In Mexico, on 
the frontiers, among hostile Indians, in Florida, fight- 
ing the brave and wily Seminoles, associated with 
such commanders as Generals Worth, Harney, Colo- 
nels Clarke, Brown, James Monroe, and others, 
he had acquired a knowledge of military affairs, 
of-strategy, and the best methods of commanding 
men, that he was now enabled to turn to good account 
for his country. His campaign to Fort Leavenworth, 
in 1856-7, had been productive of peculiarly import- 



104 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

ant results. From Florida to Kansas, and while 
remaining in the latter State, until the spring of 1858, 
he had signalized his skill and devotion as a soldier. 

The expedition of General Harney to Utah having 
been abandoned by the government; Captain Hancock 
had been ordered to proceed, as Chief Quartermaster, 
to the occupation of Fort Bridger, one of the out- 
posts of our Western frontier. From this point he 
accompanied his old regiment, the efficient and pop- 
ular Sixth Infantry, through their long march across 
the continent to Benicia, California. This march was 
probably the longest continuous one ever taken by 
any body of infantry troops. It carried them through 
an immense tract of wild, savage country, where 
inimical Indians swarmed, at times, on every hand. 
The deep snows of the Sierra Nevada range of moun- 
tains — ^the hi oiliest summits of which have an elevation 
of sixteen thousand feet, and whose line extends all 
through the State of California, from the town of Los 
Angeles to the Cascades of Oregon — had to be en- 
countered and overcome, the troops and horses sup- 
plied with rations, and the peculiar surprises and 
sudden dangers of that weary route of thousands of 
miles, constantly guarded against. 

For the skillful management of the onerous duties 
of his department, all through this difficult march, 



BEGIXNING THE UNION WJH. 105 

Captain Hancock received and justly deserved great 
credit. 

It was now toward tbe close of the month of Sep- 
tember, 1861. The army of the United States was 
not then fully organized. There was much inexpe- 
rience and occasional demoralization among our raw 
troops. With all their patriotism and general intel- 
ligence, as citizen soldiers, they could not always be 
depended on in sudden emergencies and moments of 
critical danger. In the responsible work of their 
organization, drill, discipline, and setting in the field 
of action, General Hancock was called to take a 
prominent part. His remarkable traits of character, 
now ripened into full manhood, here displayed their 
worth in the service to the greatest advantage. He 
was at home, in his own chosen field. We shall see, 
as we progress, how worthily he continued to fill his 
role. 



CHAPTER XII. 

HIS FIRST FIGHT FOR THE UNION. 

"Death, to the hero, when his sword 
Has won the battle for the free, 
Sounds like a prophet's trumpet word; 
And in its hollow tones are heard 
The thanks of millions yet to be." 

Fitz Greene Hallech. 

ri^HE beautiful fall of September, 1861, dawned 
I on tlie country. The national forces were now 
nearly organized. Troops were arriving at the front 
from all the free States, and gradually taking part in 
the conflict. The most busy fields of action at that 
time were in Missouri and Western Virginia. In 
the last-named region, especially, the traitors in arms 
were very belligerent, being constantly stimulated by 
their allies in civil life all around them. It was 
soon perceived that the contest for the supremacy of 
the Union in that section would be prolonged and 
severe. 

Fighting had taken place early in this month at 

(106) 



HIS FIRST FIGHT FOR THE UNION. 107 

several points along tlie Western Virginia lines. At 
Boone Court House; Boone county — named in honor 
of the old pioneer, Daniel Boone, of Kentucky — the 
Union troops had encountered a body of armed rebels 
and signally defeated them. This point is only about 
two hundred miles, in a direct line, west from Eich- 
mond. But the contest there speedily convinced the 
rebels that the Union would not consent to allow any 
part of the Old Dominion it could control to pass, 
without a struggle, under the black flag of secession. 
Our troops, fresh and comparatively undisciplined 
as they were, fought well on this occasion. We 
drove the enemy at all points, routing them totally, 
killing thirty, wounding a large number, and taking 
over forty prisoners. None were killed on the Na- 
tional side, and but six were wounded. The town 
was burned during the engagement. 

A picked body of the Charleston, South Carolina, 
Home Guards, who had penetrated through the She- 
nandoah country to within a short distance of Har- 
per's Ferry, Virginia, were attacked by the Thirteenth 
regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers. The despised 
' Yankees' performed their parts so well on the ' chiv- 
alry' that they soon drove them, pell-mell, killing 
three, wounding five, and capturing twenty prisoners. 
These, with the wounded, were brought into camp by 



108 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

the Massacliusetts boyS; who greeted them blandly 
with the song 'Gay and Happj^' 

Victories were being won by the Union arms in 
different parts of the country. We had captured 
Forts Hatteras and Clark, on the coast of North Car- 
olina, possessed several important points on the West- 
ern waters, and done the enemy considerable damage 
in Missouri, while he was pursuing the Fabian policy 
of masterly inactivity by remaining in his trenches 
in Virginia. 

The patriotic feeling of the country was steadily 
rising. Large popular meetings were held, presided 
over by the civil authorities, and addressed in earnest 
and courageous strains of patriotism by eminent men 
of all parties. General Rosecrans — formerly, it will 
be remembered, a fellow Lieutenant with General 
Hancock, in Mexico — had won a decided victory near 
Summersville, Virginia. The effect of this victory 
was marked, through all that region to which Han- 
cock was at that time assigned. The rebel General 
Floyd — notorious as the prominent secessionist, 
who, when the nominal Union Secretary of War, at 
Washington, had treacherously sequestrated all the 
government arms and munitions of war under his 
control to the base purposes of treason — was then in 
position near the summit of Carnifax mountain^ with 



mS FIEST FIGHT FOR TEE UNION. 109 

five tliousaiid rebel troops and sixteen pieces of artil- 
lery. The rear and extreme of both flanks of the 
enemy were inaccessible. The front was masked 
with heavy forests and a dense jungle. The brigade 
commanded by General Benham — one of the most 
accomplished and energetic of all onr soldiers — was 
in the advance, and assailed the enemy with such skill 
and force that they were driven, on a number of occa- 
sions, from their guns. Several companies of picked 
Irish troops, led by Colonel Lytle, of the Tenth Ohio, 
charged the battery, in the face of the liottest fire 
that the rebels could pour from the heights. A Ger- 
man brigade, under Colonel McCook — son of the old 
patriot Judge Daniel McCook, of Kentucky, who 
has given himself and four sons to the war for his 
country — followed in the assault with great bravery, 
and, for a time, silenced the battery. 

Floyd, as usual with that consummate traitor, fled 
during the night; but the depth of the adjacent river 
over which he passed in his flight, and the obstruc- 
tions thrown by him in his way, prevented a success- 
ful pursuit. He left his camp, however, as a trophy 
to the Union, including his own equipage, together 
with wagons, horses, large quantities of ammunition 
and fifty head of cattle. 

In Hardy county, Virginia, the rebels had been 
10 



110 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

serioTisly worsted in several hard-fought engage- 
ments. A number of camps were captured from 
them, containing large supplies of guns, uniforms, 
ammunition, horses, teams, and grain. 

On the 13th of September, of this year, the battle 
of Cheat Mountain had been fought and won by the 
Union forces. The rebels had erected a strong fort 
on the summit. This our troops succeeded in sur- 
rounding, where they cut the telegraph wire to pre- 
vent its being used by the enemy. This position 
was deemed by the rebels one of the most command- 
ing in Western Virginia. But they could not stand 
against the shells of the Union batteries ; they precipi- 
tately fled before our artillerists, leaving their dead 
and wounded behind them. 

The introduction of General Hancock to his new 
field was the signal for continued activity. His best 
energies were all taxed to prepare his command for 
constant duty. 

The army was now rapidly reaching its appropriate 
proportions. The command of Hancock was conse- 
quently assuming a relative importance. His Brig- 
ade consisted of the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, Forty - 
third New York, Fifth Wisconsin, and Ninth Maine, 
in the Division of General W. F. Smith. On the 



HIS FIRST FIGHT FOE THE UNION. m 

9th of October, 1861, his Brigade held the advance 
position on the Potomac, occupying Lewinsville. 

The first battle at this point had taken place on 
the 11th of the preceding September. On the morn- 
ing of that . day a party consisting of several detached 
companies of infantry, a company of cavalry, and 
Captain Griffin's battery of light artillery, the whole 
in command of Colonel Stevens of the New York 
Highlanders, broke camp, and started for the enemy. 
The rebel pickets retired beyond Lewinsville, as 
our troops advanced. Having accomplished the 
object of their reconnoissance, our men were about to 
return, when a large force of the enemy, consisting of 
two regiments of infantry and Colonel Stuart's regi- 
ment of Yirginia cavalry, with a battery of four 
pieces, were seen approaching. The line of battle 
was immediately formed. The enemy commenced 
shelling in front, and were promptly replied to by 
Griffin. Every opportunity was now given the rebels 
to meet us in the open field ; but they very prudently 
kept under the coverts of the woods, doing what exe- 
cution they could at a respectful distance. 

The national forces now brought into action a 
thirty -two-pound gun, which speedily and effectual] v 
silenced the batteries of the enemy. He was evi- 
dently gjad to show signs of retiring. At this mo- 



112 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

ment the gun was brought to bear on their cavalry, 
who now appeared in the open road, which sent them 
flying and reeling from their saddles in all directions. 

The movement was a success, and the troops en- 
gaged returned to camp in good order, where they 
received the congratulations of the General in com- 
mand. 

These preliminary engagements with the rebels 
showed their near approach and constant activity. 
They were out in every direction, scouring the coun- 
try for conscripts and supplies. Even at that early 
period of the war, Disunion began to feel its growing 
necessities for men, provisions, and munitions. Their 
forays became more and more frequent, as their wants 
steadily increased. At the commencement of the 
rebellion they had plunged into Avar with reckless 
ferocity, and their troops had all the advantage over 
ours of mnch greater experience, drill, and discipline. 
The whole Southern country had been transformed 
into one great camp. Every arms-bearing citizen 
was held to be a soldier ; every crop was regarded as 
pledged to the warlike purposes of treason. In the 
cities of the South, especially, the dangerous charac- 
ter of the institution of slavery, where large masses 
of slaves were liable to assemble together under the 
influence of those of their class who had by any 



HIS FIE ST FIGHT FOE THE UNION. 113 

means obtained the boon of freedom, it had been the 
custom for years to maintain regular bodies of troops, 
many of whom were well-mounted cavalry, ready to 
be ^lled out, at the tap of the drum, to put down a 
servile insurrection. The commanders of these 
drilled bands of men were the leaders, to a great 
extent, of the rebellion. Their seat of war had 
been transferred from their slave marts and planta- 
tions to the lines confronting the Union colors. They 
not only fought desperately, but they fought method- 
ically. Their best men were soldiers by birth, by 
profession, and practice. 

Against these chosen myrmidons of the slave 
power the nation had hurriedly assembled, at the call 
of duty, such regular troops as could be spared from 
important frontier and central posts, and the hardy 
volunteers who had rushed from their homesteads 
and farms, their shops and ships, from road-side and 
sea-side, to defend the national honor and preserve 
the national life. Is it any wonder that, at the first 
onset, our undisciplined ranks, fight as portions of 
them might, would show signs of precipitancy, and 
inexperience ? Nay, is it not a wonder that at the 
commencement of this war, like our fathers beating 
back with their untried columns the serried veterans 
of Englaud, we should have fought as well as we did ? 

10* 



11^ WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

At the time General Hancock engaged in his first 
fight on the lines of the Potomac, and in other parts 
of Virginia, spies and rebel emissaries swarmed all 
around him. He was constantly on the alert for 
these decoys of the enemy. 

A few weeks after he had gone to the front, three 
companies of the Cameron Dragoons, under Major S. 
E. Smith, commanded respectively by Captain Wil- 
son, Company F, Lieutenant Stetson, Company H, and 
Lieutenant Hess, Company C, were sent out on a 
scout along the roads leading to Fairfax Court House 
and Hunter's Mills, Virginia. Arriving at a point 
about a mile distant from Fairfax Court House, these 
three officers, with eight privates, encountered an 
equal number of the rebel cavalry. They immedi- 
ately attacked the rebels, but they fled in haste to a 
contiguous cover of woods. In the hurry of the 
chase they passed through a fruit orchard, when one 
of the rebels dismounted, and resting his five-shooter 
against a tree, fired three shots at Major Smith. All 
of them passed him. 

The party now attempted to draw the rebels from 
their woody cover, but in vain. Soon after they 
joined their companions of the main body, and rode 
on to Hunter's Mills. When near the latter place. 
Captain Wilson and Lieutenant Stetson discovered 



HIS FIRST FIGHT FOR THE UNION: 115 

a rebel — the same who had been trying to kill the 
Major with his carbine from behind the shelter of a 
tree — now endeavoring to escape. They dashed after 
the man, and soon returned with him as a prisoner 
to camp. He was immediately brought to the pres- 
ence of General Hancock, who recognized him, bj? 
his appearance, to be a dangerous spy. 

" Your name is Vollin, I believe ?" said the General. 

"Yes, sir ;" replied the rebel, for a moment thrown 
off his guard. 

"Ah ! Vollin — or Villain — I am glad to see you. 
We have been looking for you for some time past." 

Mr. Vollin, or Villain, was appropriately cared for. 
The General had dealt with secessionists before. 

"You are aware of the fate usually awarded to 
spies, Mr. Vollin ?" continued Hancock. 

"I — sup — pose — I — am," stammered the guilty 
wretch. 

" Then you will please prepare for it at your earli- 
est convenience, Mr. Vollin ! Good morning, sir." 

The brigade of General Hancock was specially 
serviceable in the work of procuring supplies. On 
different occasions hay, corn, sheep, and beef cattle 
were brought in by his men, to the evident disgust 
of the rebels and to the satisfaction of all who had 
the right to share in the spoils of war. The enemy 



116 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

soon found that their foraging parties were not the 
only ones in the field. 

On the 21st of October he accompanied and took 
part in the reconnoissance made bj the heavy de- 
tachment sent out from his camp to Flint Hill, Vir- 
ginia. The party consisted of portions of Mott's and 
Ayres's batteries, and companies of the Fifth Regu- 
lars, and from Colonel Freeman's regiment of artillery 
attached to the Division of General W. F. Smith. 
This timely movement resulted in discovering the 
position of the rebels, and the apparent number of 
his forces in the vicinity. It was one of the first 
reconnoitring parties in which Hancock participated 
in his new position of Brigadier General. 

The spirit that animated the Union troops under 
Hancock, at the time of which we are now writing, 
is well illustrated by an incident. It is one of many 
of a similar character then taking place. 

After the battle of Ball's Bluft; of the 21st of Oc- 
tober, in which the gifted and gallant Senator Ed- 
ward D. Baker so nobly fell for his country and 
liberty, the brave soldiers who had borne themselves 
so steadily in that fight were publicly addressed : 

" Soldiers !" said the speaker, " these are terrible 
gaps that I see before me in your ranks. They remind 
me, and you all, of our dead on the field of battle ; 



HIS FIRST FIGHT FOB THE UNION. 117 

of our wounded comrades in the hospitals ; of kin- 
dred and friends weeping at home for those who 
filled the vacant places that once knew them, but 
that shall now know them no more forever. 

Soldiers ! I ask you now and here, in full view of 
all this, are you ready again to meet the traitorous 
foe ? Are you willing again to peril your lives for 
the liberties of your country ? Would you go with 
me to the field to-morrow ? Would you go to-day ? 
Would you go this moment ?" 

There was but the pause of an instant, when the 
reply, "Yes!" "Yes!" "Yes!" came with a shout 
from the thousands of the line. 

The commander was answered. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

IN THE CAMPAIGN Oi^ '6 2. 

" When we manage by a just foresight, 
Success is prudence, and possession right." 

Thomson. 

THE campaign of the Union forces in Virginia 
during the winter of 1862, with all its quiet, 
possessed a great relative importance. The public 
sentiment of the country, which had been almost 
wildly enthusiastic at the first outbreak of the rebel- 
lion, was now beginning to settle down on a calmer 
basis. There was as much real patriotism in the 
land, but it was not so demonstrative as it had been. 
Our contest was beginning to assume an overshad- 
owing importance im the eyes of the European na- 
tions. The leaders of opinion there were evidently 
much surprised at the extent of the preparations so 
readily and continuously made by the United States. 
Our successes, notwithstanding the manifest disad- 
vantages under which we fought, had more than 

(118) 



IN THE '62 CAMPAIGN. 119 

equalled our own expectations. The sentiments of 
the masses of tlie most intelligent people of Europe 
were turning strongly in our favor, although the aris- 
tocracy and their allies endeavored, by the most infa- 
mous falsehoods, to mislead and silence it. The 
wicked hope was indulged by the rebels at home and 
their sympathizers here and abroad, that the vast 
multitude of the laboring classes, who were suffering 
so bitterly for want of work in consequence of the 
famine of American cotton, would rise in revolt 
against their own rulers, and thus, on the plea of 
domestic revolution and anarchy, compel foreign 
governments to intervene in American affairs. This 
would have exactly suited the rebels. It was their 
constant inspiration, their unfailing aspiration, by 
day and by night. Such an intervention as they 
thus hoped, prayed and plotted for, would have 
brought us into war with England and France, com- 
pelled the opening of our blockaded ports, supplied 
the rebels with money and munitions of war, divided 
the North, and secured an ignoble peace in the cer- 
tain destruction of the ¥nion. 

But the operations of this gigantic and nefarious 
plot were no sooner commenced than they were dis- 
covered and thwarted. By the special . fa vor of that 
Divine Providence which, in the language of Jeffer- 



120 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

SON, 'ever manifests its interest in the affairs of na- 
tions/ our crops had been more abundant that year 
than ever before. We had enough not only to sup- 
ply the wants of the people at home, to furnish the 
vast rations required for our immense army and 
navy, but we were able to begin to send those car- 
goes of food to the starving operatives abroad, the 
reception of which during that year, and the early 
part of the year following, by these victims of the 
wicked rebellion in America, at once opened their 
eyes to the true nature of our great struggle, and 
made the vast majority of them, as they are at this 
day, our firm and devoted friends. The threatened 
foreign revolt in favor of the aristocratic and slav- 
ocratic treason of America was thus nipped in the 
bud. It was literally choked in its very birth with 
the fulness of bread sent to its needy cradle by the 
American Union. The occupation of the alien and 
native plotters for the overthrow of our Republic, like 
that of Othello, was all gone. 

" The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, 
The solemn temples," 

which the charlatan oligarchs, the sham aristocrats 
and lying priests of American slavery had thus madly 
endeavored to rear on the ruins of the United States, 
were speedily dissolved; 



IN THE '62 CAMPAIGN. 121 

"And, like an unsubstantial pageant faded, 
Left not a wreck behind." 

This impious spirit of sympathy with the most 
wicked rebellion the world ever saw, has since shown 
itself, and will probably continue to show itself, in 
various ways, at different times and places ; but, like 
a serpent with its head crushed to the earth, while it 
may endeavor to 'drag its slow length along,' it must 
sooner or later die the accursed death it so richly 
deserves. Liberty must finally triumph. Man, every- 
where, must yet be free. 

The encampment of the great body of the Union 
force immediately in front of Washington, had the 
effect not only to afford complete protection to the 
national capital and to secure the mobilization, the 
drill, and discipline of large masses of raw troops, 
but it drove the rebels into positions they were poorly 
prepared to occupy. It was stated, on good rebel 
authority, that some portions of the army under their 
General Lee, were reduced to the last extremities. 
On one occasion he was entirely out of provisions, 
not having the means to cook the next meal for him- 
self, or to serve the next ration to his soldiers. His 
outposts were abandoned, one after another, and he 
made the best of his way to his winter quarters. In 
this expedient he was compelled to take the only 
11 



122 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

position he could maintain in all that part of Vir- 
ginia he endeavored to occupy. This was the first 
lesson of the kind taught the haughty leaders of the 
rebellion ; and it is evident that its effect was not lost 
upon fhem, nor on those they so madly led into dan- 
ger in so bad a cause. 

Several important skirmishes occurred during this 
winter. The rebel foraging parties were frequently 
met by those of the UnioU; affording fresh opportu- 
nities to prove the mettle of our men. On one occa- 
sirn the rebel General Stuart, on whose vaunted 
prowess much dependence was placed by his associ- 
ates and followers in treason, was met by the Union 
General Ord, and severely worsted. Stuart had with 
him in his foray four regiments of infanty and a six- 
gun battery ; but he was completely routed, losing- 
many in killed and prisoners. 

The spring of 1862 opened on the country under 
a steady advance of the Union cause. Our limits 
confine us more particularly to those events in which 
General Hancock took an immediate part. The xery 
important rebel position at Port Eoyal, South Caro- 
lina, had been captured late the preceding fall. 
Several battles had been won in Missouri, Kentucky, 
at Fort Pulaski, Georgia, and on the Western waters, 
and a new impulse given to the navy b}^ the launching 



IN THE '62 CAMPAIGN. 123 

of several of the new iron Monitors. The pulse of 
the people beat stronger than ever for the Union. 

The Union forces under General Banks were ad- 
vancing through the Yalley of the Shenandoah, and 
the general aspects of the campaign were favorable ; 
but the first great movement of the spring of '62 was 
that made on the Virginia Peninsula, in the direction 
of Richmond. 

The period of muster and drill in encampment had 
passed. The commanding General of that portion 
of the national forces known as the army of the 
Potomac, addressed his troops with the assurance 
that he considered them ^magnificent in material, 
admirable in discipline and instruction, excellently 
equipped and armed,' and led by commanders who 
were all that could be desired. Heroic exertions, 
rapid and long marches, desperate conflicts and se- 
vere privations were announced as before them. 

It was now the middle of March, and the glorious 
news had come of the victory of Buknside over the 
rebels at Roanoke Island and Newbern, North Caro- 
lina. By this victory we had captured three light 
batteries of field artillery, forty-six heavy siege guns, 
large stores of fixed ammunition, three thousand 
stands of small arms, and several thousand prisoners. 

The important preparations for the contemplated 



124 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

onward movement were completed in March, and 
near the close of that month the army was transferred 
from its camp, fronting Washington, to the Peninsular 
region extending from Fortress Monroe, in Virginia, 
up the waters of the James and York rivers. 

Our first reconnoissance in that direction resulted 
in our occupying the commanding and somewhat 
celebrated position of Big Bethel. It was at this 
point, about a year before, that one of our first bat 
ties occurred with the enemy — resulting, in conse- 
quence of false information given by scouts, in the 
death of Major Theodore Wintpirop and Lieuten- 
ant John T. Greble — two of the most accomplished 
and gallant soldiers in the United States army. 

The occupation of this post by our troops was a 
surprise as well as a disadvantage to the enemy. A 
strong detachment of infantry, cavalry and artillery 
was detailed for the purpose, accompanied by two 
companies of Berdan's Sharp-shooters, in the advance. 
Rebel spies, as usual, were met at various points of 
the route. Every bush, and house, and fence was 
carefully watched for the peering eye or rifle of some 
hidden rebel. But only women and children were to 
be seen. If there were any of treason's belligerents 
about, they were too closely hid to be seen by our 
advance. Some of the Union yeomanry looked good- 



IN THE '62 CAMPAIGN. 125 

naturedly at us from their fields, door-yards and 
piazzas, as we passed silently on. 

There are numerous comfortable and handsome 
mansions in this vicinity. The soil and climate are 
highly favorable to agriculture, and the associations 
of the route gave a peculiar interest to the march. 
But the most of the mansions and plantations were 
deserted, their late occupants having taken service in 
the rebel army. 

As our troops passed from the open country into 
the woody interval occupied by the works of Big 
Bethel, they found that the enemy had deserted them. 
This was rather a surprise to us: for, after the boast- 
ing we had heard that the chivalry neverjwould run, 
whatever might be the odds against them, we ex- 
pected, of course, they would make a stand here — 
especially as their works were strong and well sur- 
rounded for defence. 

There were five breastworks in the fortification, 
each a few rods in length. Three of them mounted 
one gun. The other two were of greater dimensions, 
mounting six guns each. On the right flank was a 
dense grove, which afforded material protection. 
The broad space in front, a part of which was marshy 
and miry, sloped toward the York river, and was 
fully commanded by the guns. 
11* 



126 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SOK 

It was soon perceived that there were armed rebels 
on the opposite shore of the stream. A few shots 
sent among them by oar sharp-shooters caused a 
speedy stampede. In their flight they attempted to 
tear up the planks of the intervening bridge ; but a 
few more shots taught them to be more accommodat- 
ing to travellers. The planks partially removed were 
soon replaced ; but the rebels had gained so much 
the start, and ran so fast, our men could not catch 
them. 

In one of the contiguous houses a trick was dis- 
covered, which, considering it was done by a chival- 
rous Virginian, is almost equal to anything of the 
kind achieved by a despised ' Yankee.' As oar troops 
entered they were accosted by the lady occupant : 

" What do yer want here ?" 

" We are looking for rebels, madam." 

" Well ! there ain't none in this house ! An' you'n 
better clear out, mighty quick !" 

" It is our orders to search eyery house, madam ; 
and we cannot leave until we have searched yours." 

" Sarch my house, yer mean Yankees ! I should 
like to see yer do it !" 

" You will have that pleasure, then, madam ; for 
we shall certainly look through your premises, from 
garret to cellar." 



IN THE '62 CAMPAIGN. 127 

"Yerwill? Well, if yer will, jer must. But'n yer 
Won't find nobody 'yere but a pewer old sick un." 

" Is it a sick man, madam ?" 

"No! yer 'quisitive critters! It's my husband's 
aunt Betty. Been sick for goin' on ten yeres." 

''Where is she?" 

" Up charmber, there !" 

Without more ceremony our troops passed into the 
attic, and there, between the sheets, half-hidden by a 
bed-rid crone, they found an armed rebel, lying at 
his length, with his boots on ! He had not even 
taken the trouble to brush them, nor in any way to 
arrange his dress as he sought his couch, being 
covered from head to foot with spatterings of mud 
and water. The ' sleeping beauty,' as our men called 
him, was tenderly rolled out on the floor, and made 
a prize of war. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
AT YORKTOWN. 

"With common men 

There needs too oft the show of war to keep 
The substance of sweet peace." 

King Henry VIJI. 

ON the 15tTi of April, 1862, the national troops 
advanced from Old Point Comfort, Virginia, 
where they had landed from Washington, toward 
Yorktown. This memorable spot, it will be recol- 
lected, is the site of the surrender of Lord Cornwal- 
Lis to General Washington, near the close of the 
Eevolutionary war. It is one of the oldest towns in 
the country, the capital of York county, and situated 
on the right bank of the York river, about seventy 
miles south of Eichmond. English settlers first 
reached there in the year 1705. It was once quite a 
flourishing place ; but the deleterious influences at 
work have been its bane for more than a century. 
It now numbers only forty houses within its precincts. 
The position is commanding, especially with refer- 

. (128) 



AT YORKTOWN. 129 

ence to the passage of vessels^ and the rebels had 
resolved to make the most of it. They threw up 
strong entrenchments, mounted some of the largest 
guns they could command, especially those stolen 
from the United States Navy Yard at the contiguous 
port of Norfolk; and garrisoned it with- about ten 
thousand picked troops, under Magruder, one of their 
most energetic and unscrupulous commanders. This 
arrant traitor had served for many years in the Union 
army, had received his education at the national mili- 
tary school, at the expense of the American people, 
and, with all his crude vagaries, was considered one 
of our best artillery officers. He was one of those 
common, artful men who keep up a seeming of war 
by means of bluster; who love to fire guns for the 
mere purpose of making a noise ; and who hold a 
continuance of peace by a show of power which they 
do not possess. 

It was emphatically so at Yorktown. But the 
Union army, not being aware how comparatively 
inferior the defences and small the garrison of York- 
town really were, passed on to its conquest with 
almost its entire strength. 

The advance was begun on the 4th of April, with 
General Morrill's brigade, of General Porter's divi- 
sion, in the night; two companies of the Third Penn- 



130 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

sylvania cavalry and a portion of Berdan's Sliarp- 
shooterS; who liad just rendered snch effective service 
at Big Bethel, deployed as skirmishers. The advance 
rested at a spot, within six miles of Yorktown, and 
at ten o'clock on the morning of the 5th they were 
in front of the ramparts of the .enemy. 

Magruder, according to his invariable custom of 
bluster, soon opened fire, regardless of consequences. 
He was promptly replied to by the batteries of Cap- 
tain Grif&n, the Third and Fourth Ehode Island and 
Fifth Massachusetts, who sent back two shots for every 
one from the rebels. The cannonading continued 
briskly until sunset. 

The fight was resumed the ensuing day, the brig- 
ade of General Hancock being early in the field, and 
taking an active part. The artillery firing was con- 
stant on both sides. Every attempt of the rebels to 
make sorties and charges resulted disastrously. They 
were always glad to retreat behind their entrench- 
ments. The great body of our men had never been 
under fire, but those in view of the vigilant eye of 
Hancock were kept bravely up to the work, his expe- 
rience in artillery practice being of great service. 
As the sun of the afternoon, deflecting from the water, 
glanced on our bright pieces, they afforded a good 
mark for the enemy, who made the most of their 



AT TORKTOJVK 131 

position behind their high ramparts. ISTew troops 
coming on the ground, relieved the exposed and 
wearied gunners. The Sixth Ehode Island battery 
and Fifth Massachusetts, arriving in the height of 
this part of the engagement, rendered most important 
service. It was quite near sundown when the last 
gun was fired. Our men always took care to have 
the closing shot. 

On a subseqent day General Hancock led in person 
a portion of his brigade into the open field in front 
of the enemy. It was one of the most exposed posi- 
tions yet occupied by our army. His object was to 
drive a body of rebels from a piece of woods they 
occupied, in close proximity to the national works. 
The troops advanced through the open area, in the 
face of a deadly fire, drawing themselves directly to- 
ward the enemy, on their hands and knees. They 
were now within close musket-range. 

The rebels, who were cunningly secreted behind 
trees and stumps, were anxious to induce our men to 
rise to their feet in order that they might have a bet- 
ter chance to shoot them down, while they themselves 
were under cover. To accomplish this object one of 
the rebel Captains shouted the word "Charge!" — in 
the vain hope that the Union boys would spring to 
their feet at the sound, and run. But he and his rebel 



132 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

allies were very mucli mistaken. We did nothing 
of tlie sort ; but, on the contrary, kept our recum- 
bent position unchanged, qyqvj man with his gun 
loaded and cocked, his bayonet fixed, and steadily 
advancing on the foe. 

Again came the rebel Captain's command : 

"Charge bayonet!" 

This time the rebels rose to their feet, as if to rush 
forward upon us. But before they had moved an 
inch a command came from Hancock's side : 

" Fire !" 

The well- aimed rifles blazed in an instant in the 
very faces of the rebels. They fell back in dismay, 
leaving their dead and wounded behind them on the 
field. 

During the skirmish a new rebel battery, Avhich 
had been erected only the previous Sunday nighj, 
opened on our men, witli the intention of driving off 
the advance. But the guns of Hancock soon silenced 
and dismantled it. 

This was a sudden and severe lesson to the rebels. 
They had foolishly supposed, it seems, that the na- 
tional troops were all, or nearly all, especially the vol- 
unteers, terribly afraid of the idea of being charged 
upon by rebel steel. They even went so far in 
their folly as to suppose that if thev should only cry 



AT YORKTOWN. ^ 133 

to their men, in the face of our advancing columns, 
the word " Charge !" we should instantly take to our 
heels and scamper from the field. 

This experience with the brave men under Han- 
cock taught them a different and very salutary lesson. 

It is evident from the history of the comments 
made upon it by the rebel presses, that the position 
at Yorktown was held to be of the greatest import- 
ance to the continued success of the rebellion. One 
of the editors, speaking by authority, on the 15th of 
April, says: 

" The issue at Yorktown is tremendous. When 
the battle does come off it will be a fearful one, for 
the stake is enormous. Confederate leaders and sol- 
diers feel that the issue involves the fate of the coun- 
try. The contest cannot long be deferred. The news 
of a terrible battle may startle us at any moment. 

"Wave, Richmond! all thy biinners wave, 
And charge with alPthy chivalry! 

'' Not only the fate of the temporary seat of govern- 
ment, but of Eastern Virginia, and even more than 
that trembles in the balance. 

" We presume that President Davis himself will 
be on the field, as he has intimated." 

Immediately after the appearance of this fiery out- 
burst of- chivalric eloquence, the rebels began the 



13 J: WIN^IELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

construction of large fortifications on the Gloucester 
side of Yorktown. The works were in sight of the 
Union gunboats. About one thousand men were at 
work on the fortifications; but the arrival of the 
gunboat Sehago, with a hundred-pound rifled Parrott 
gun, soon dispersed the rebels. She threw her shot, 
at the distance of three miles, which were so well 
aimed that they could be seen falling in the midst of 
the rebels and exploding with fatal effect. The killed 
and wounded were carried off by the enemy in con- 
siderable numbers, and the remaining combatants 
were glad to hide themselves under the cover of the 
adjacent woods. At every attempt to renew their 
work they were driven back, and finally compelled 
to abandon it. 

Our assaults on the Yorktown works now con- 
tinued for several daj^s in succession. The weather 
was favorable for operations, and our army made the 
most of it. Occasional attempts at sorties were made 
by the enemy — on one evening with a force of three 
thousand men — but they were invariably repulsed 
with severe loss to the rebel garrison. 

By two o'clock in the afternoon of Monday,. April 
17th, a section of Union artillery was planted within 
L;i1f a mile of the rebel works, near the river, and 



AT YORKTOWN. 135 

well supported by infantry. The rebel works were 
assailed from this point with good effect. 

On the morning following the rebels advanced 
with a force of one thousand men, and commenced 
to strengthen one of their batteries located about 
three miles to the left of Yorktown. A battery was 
very soon brought to bear on them, when they were 
not only reduced to terms of quiet, but compelled to 
beat a very hasty retreat. A brisk fire was kept up 
by our guns for four hours ; during which the rebel 
cannon were dismounted without the ceremony of 
being unlimbered. 

The Union gunboats advanced nearer to the seat 
of the action as it progressed. On the 24th of April 
one moved up Wormley's creek, early in the morn- 
ing, and threw her shells with force at the rebel 
works. At a distance of four miles the shells ex- 
ploded in the midst of the enemj^. 

A dashing movement was made on an advanced 
lunette of the rebels, early in the morning of April 
28th, by company H, of the First Massachusetts 
regiment. The works were carried, and the enemy, 
consisting of two companies of infantry, driven back. 
Our men moved over open, soft ground, some six 
hundred yards, receiving the fire of the rebels at a dis- 
tance of fifty yards; they did not return it, but rushed 



^1^1^ WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

over the ditcli and parapet in the most gallant man- 
ner. The rebels were not prepared for so chivalrous 
an act from the scorned Northrons. They broke and 
ran in all directions the moment they saw the heads 
of our men coming up the glacis and over the sum- 
mit. "We took a number of prisoners, and effectually 
destroyed the works. 

On the 2d of May the Union siege batteries opened 
on the whole length of the enemy's line. The effect 
was very severe. Our own works had been con- 
structed with great care, and the guns placed in posi- 
tion were of the heaviest calibre suitable for such a 
siege. The firing was kept up on both sides, for a 
time, with great animation, although the loss of life 
was comparatively small. 

Our environment of the rebels had been complete. 
The Union parallels and batteries had gone up day 
by day, night by night, within point-blank range 
of the enemy. His fire had been unceasing, and, at 
times, vexatious. But it was not long ere we had 
more than one hundred siege guns and mortars in 
favorable positions for the reduction of the walls. 

The sending of a war-balloon from our side on the 
afternoon of the 3d of May, and the display of large 
signal lanterns in the evening, gave the enemy cer- 
tain ranges for their guns, which opportunities they 



AT TORKTOWN. 137 

promptly improved. But at tlie hour of midnight 
the shelling from the fort slackened, and bright lights 
in the vicinity of the water batteries of the rebels 
attracted our attention. Near daylight followed a 
series of minute guns from inside the works. As 
the morning advanced, and they grey mist lifted from 
the waters of the river and the adjacent lowlands, 
floating away like gossamer in the breeze from Hamp- 
ton Eoads, it was discovered that the vaunting chiv- 
alry had deserted its flaunting colors, and fled from 
the sacred precincts their treason had polluted. York- 
town was evacuated ! 

At six o'clock ^on the morning of the 4th of May, 
detachments of Union troops from Massachusetts, 
New York and Pennsylvania marched over the ram- 
parts and occupied the deserted fort. In a moment 
more the national ensign, full and free, floated from 
the abandoned flagstaff^ and the victorious troops 
greeted it with hearty cheers. 

The victory was complete and a great one. The 
rebels had occupied Yorktown with over ten thou- 
sand of their picked men. They had kept at work 
for months three thousand slaves, building fortifica- 
tions and locating guns. The works were of the 
strongest kind then constructed in the country. They 
formed an immense connected fortification, with its 

12* 



138 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

numerous salient angles. The ditches were deep, the 
parapets lofty, and difficult to scale. The water bat 
tery below commanded the river on the Yorktown 
side, while that at Gloucester Point, on the opposite 
shore, was equally effective. The guns were the best 
that could then be obtained — a portion of them in 
most commanding positions being Dahlgrens, Colum- 
biads and sea-coast pieces of good range. An im- 
mense area in front of the works, over which the 
Union troops would have been compelled to march, 
in case an assault had been attempted, was swept 
completely by the rebel fire. Deep gorges, ravines 
and swamps were all around and inside the fortifica- 
tions, presenting the most formidable natural obsta- 
cles to our advancing columns. 

The occupation of Yorktown gave us possession, 
with the fort, of eighty guns in all, and a large amount 
of material of war. There were four magazines in a 
good state of preservation. 

On arriving inside the fort the tents of the rebels 
were found standing in all directions. Some of these 
were daubed on their sides with vulgar caricatures 
of the Union troops ; but, unluckily for their boasted 
high-toned honor, the delineators had not dared to 
stay to defend their characteristic specimens of chival- 
ric art. These gallant knights of pigment and hog- 



AT YORKTOWN. 139 

bristles preferred to leave their galleries to be ad- 
mired by the eyes of the loathed 'Yankees/ acting 
on the impulse of the old distich : 

" He who fights, and runs away, 
May live to fight — another day." 

It was rumored that Mr. Davis, the President of the 
so-called Southern Confederacy, and the rebel Generals 
Lee and Beauregard, were present in Yorktown, 
while the closing part of the siege was in progress ; 
and that, after much altercation, they ordered the 
evacuation. On the memorable night of that dis- 
tracted council, while the Union guns were thunder- 
ing at the gate for admission, the already conquered 
rebels, with murderous treachery, secretly buried per- 
cussion torpedoes in all the passages and approaches. 
A splendid specimen of chivalry ! A single explo- 
sion sufficed to uncover the infamous plot, and to 
thwart completely its 'high-toned' intentions. 

But the works were ours. Another gateway to 
Richmond, the heart of the rebellion, was entered 
and possessed ; and it remains in the hands of the 
Union to this day. There, with all its sacred Revo- 
lutionary records, may it remain forever ! 

General Hancock was breveted Major in the United 
States Regular Army for his meritorious conduct at 
Yorktown, his brevet dating from the 4th of May, 1862. 



CHAPTER XV. 

AT WILLIAMSBURG. 

"Actions, looks, words, steps, form the alphabet by which you may 
spell characters." — Lavater. 

THE battle of Williamsburg, Virginia, was fougbt 
on the 4tli of May, 1862. The Union advance, 
leaving Yorktown in the possession of a sufficient 
garrison, reached the rear of the rebels, under one 
of their best leaders, General J. E. Johnson, on the 
morning of that day. The battle commenced imme- 
diately, and was continued, at intervals, until after 
sundown. 

The march from Yorktown to Williamsburg had 
been made with much caution. It was a surprise to 
the enemy. He had no idea we would leave our en- 
trenched works at the former place so soon after 
possessing them. White flags skirted the road as 
our troops passed on. The male occupants of the 
houses had nearly all fled, leaving behind their 
women, children, and servants. 

In the vicinity of Williamsburg the rebels had 

(140) 



A2' WILLIAMSBUJIG. Ul 

thrown up strong entrenchments. Their force had 
been materially increased by additions from Eich- 
mond and other camps. It Avas evident they were 
bent on making a determined stand. 

The morning of onr approach was dark and dreary. 
The rain fell in torrents. Hooker, Smith, Kearney 
and. Heintzleman were among the first to enter the 
action. It raged during the day, and by four o'clock 
in the afternoon was at its height. Many of the offi- 
cers and men were under fire for the first time, in the 
open field of battle. Several of the youngest of the 
former were subject to the most trying ordeals of 
their courage and presence of mind, as they rode, in 
the position of Aids, among the descending showers 
of shot and shell. 

General Keyes came up with a divison of reinforce- 
ments at a critical juncture, aided by that venerable 
officer, General Casey. Couch, followed by a consid- 
erable body of cavalry and artillery, joined in the 
fight at this point, on the left, while Hancock was 
pressing the enemy on the right. Our troops fought 
with heroic valor. The vacancies rapidly made in 
the lines were as rapidly filled ; and the surging col- 
umns pressed steadily on, meeting the enemy face to 
face, shot for shot, man for man. 

Gen€ij-al Hancock had called for reinforcements, and 



142 WIN FIELD, THE LAWFER'S SOX. 

tlie troops nobly responded. Just as the sun was 
going down, while the torrents of rain were yet fall- 
ing, Hancock made that brilliant charge that must 
forever associate his name with peculiar honor in 
the battle of Williamsburg. The enemy had massed 
a strong force on his front, and had made several 
fearful chasms in his nearest ranks. Eiding to the 
centre, and quickly passing the words, " Fix bayo- 
nets!" he paused at the chosen point, and waving his 
hat, gave the memorable order to his officers : 

" Gentlemen ! Charge !^ 

The brilliancy and effect with which that courteous 
order was obeyed at that instant will never be for- 
gotten. The rebels were swept before it, like chaff 
before a whirlwind. Officers, men, horses, artillery, 
were borne back in confusion and dismay, rendering 
the rout of the foe one of the most signal ever wit- 
nessed on any field of any war. All the works on 
the right of the Union line were captured at a blow. 
The rebels were flanked on their left, and rolled up 
over the earth like a parchment scroll. The move- 
ment was masterly. The success was complete. As 
the news of it ran along the lines, and reached the 
headquarters of the army, cheer followed cheer on 
all sides, and the enthusiasm of the troops kindled 
before it as a harbinger of victory. The most hearty 



AT WILLIAMSBURG. 1-13 

congratulations surrounded Hancock from all his 
associates, and his character for brilliancy and dash 
as a soldier took a nobler hue than ever from that 
moment. 

Eeinforcements now continued to press forward. 
As night closed in we had full possession of all the 
fortifications on our front. Hancock passed the night 
before them, on the field. The brave troops around 
him rested on their victorious arms. Neither their 
General nor they heeded that they were wet with the 
drenching rain, spattered with mud, weary and hun- 
gry. Through the descending rain of that stormy 
night, their watchfires were kindled only to show 
them the conquered enemy beyond. They demanded 
to be led again by Hancock in another charge. The 
veterans among them thought of their bivouacs with 
him in Mexico, when he was a young Lieutenant ; 
and they longed to follow him now as a General to 
ncAV fields of glory. The darkness could not hide 
from their vision the dear old flag ; the chilly night- 
air could not dampen their ardor in its defence ; the 
presence of a large rebel force, just in front, could 
not check their purpose to stand or fall for the Union 
which that traitorous horde had aimed to destroy. 

Noble army of martyrs for American Liberty ! It 
required lill the coolness and discipline, all the vigor 



144 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

and persuasion of Hancock, to keep them that night 
within his lines. Had he but given the word, they 
would have rushed forward with hini, again and 
again, in fiery onsets on their country's foes. 

The following morning came with a bright and 
bracing air. Our troops were better prepared than 
ever for the renewal of the fight. But the word 
soon came from Hancock, still in the advance on the 
right, that the rebels had fled. They had availed 
themselves of the darkness and storm of the night to 
steal away, leaving their deserted fortifications for our 
advancing forces to enter. 

This opening field fight of that campaign afforded 
many striking illustrations of the republican nature 
of the struggle on the Union side. Among our offi- 
cers were several gentlemen of foreign birth, and 
some native born of great wealth and high position 
in American society. Of these, as the morning broke 
after the battle, Count de Paris could be seen plough- 
ing his way knee-deep through the Virginia mud, 
with his bag of corn on his shoulder, which he had 
just filled at a neighboring crib, and with which he 
was to feed his horse. Mr. Astor, of New York, on 
the staft' of the Commanding General, might be dis- 
covered washing the mud from his steed, and attend- 
ing to grooming and culinary matters generally, on 



AT WILLIAMSBURG. 145 

his own account. In the hospitals and on the field, 
officers and men were helping each other indiscrimi- 
nately ; together bearing the burdens as together 
they shared the honors of war. 

The works captured from the enemy by the brave 
exploit of Hancock were found to be of a formidable 
character. The gallant charge he made was not a 
mere bloody display of valor. Its results were 
tangible, and valuable to the cause. The enemy had 
come upon him with a furious onset. They evidently 
calculated that he would fall an easy prey to their 
yelling assault. A man with less invincible courage, 
with less firmness of resolution than he, would have 
fallen back, and waited for still more reinforcements. 
But the moment the additional troops he sent for 
rallied around him, that moment he advanced — giv- 
ing assault for assault, and closing the day with his 
steady charge of the deadly bayonet. Not until 
the enemy was close upon him, not until he could 
see their eyes peering into those of his own men, not 
until they had swept far across the open field that 
intervened between the opposing lines, did he give 
the memorable order that has so honorably associated 
his name with the victory of that day. 

It is admitted on all hands that the bearing of the 
foe was most gallant. His ranks were composed of 
13 



146 WIIVFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SOX. 

Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina troops, who 
literally strewed the ground with their dead ere they 
yielded to the impetuous valor of Hancock. Acres 
of felled and tangled trees, long lines of strongly- 
built entrenchments, showed the fixed purpose of 
the rebels to hold their ground to the last. Their 
ammunition was abundant and their fire most gall- 
ing. But for the unexpected dash made on them by 
Hancock, where, at the point of the bayonet, their 
works were wrested from them, they would have re- 
mained for a long time in a strong position of defence. 

Immediately opposed to Hancock, leading the 
picked body of the enemy, was the rebel commander 
Longstreet, who had been a lieutenant with him in 
some of the severest fights in Mexico. In his front, 
almost face to face, Avas Early, who had been, also, a 
fellow officer with him on those distant fields. What 
a place for such a meeting ! 

The brilliant success of Hancock was gained with 
a loss of not more than twenty killed and wounded. 
His engagement decided the fortunes of the day. 
The falling back of the enemy gave the Union a 
thousand wounded and three hundred uninjured 
rebel prisoners. Thus far seventy-one large guns 
were captured, many tents, and a great amount of 
ammunition. 



AT WILLIAMSBURG. 147 

With a barbarity almost without a parallel in the 
annals of civilized warfare, the rebels signalized their 
defeat bj placing torpedoes within their abandoned 
works, near their flagstaffs, magazines and telegraph 
offices; and secreting them in carpet-bags, barrels 
of flour, provisions, boxes, and other available spots 
liable to be reached by our troops. Murderous em- 
bodiments of their most wicked treason ! 

It is not pretended that the battle of Williamsburg 
partook of the nature of a great general engage- 
ment. It w^as more like a brilliant and successful 
skirmish of an army on the advance. The rebels 
speak of it in their reports as 'a handsome affair.' 
In the official despatches of Generals Hooker, Smith, 
Couch, Kearney, Birney and Heintzleman — all of 
whom, with Generals Peck, Jameson, Devens, Casey, 
Graham, Berry, Stoneman, and others, won fresh lau- 
rels on that day — it is placed in its true light, as a 
preliminary fight of much importance, whose effect 
was as beneficial on the spirits of our own men as it 
was desponding to those of the enem}^ 

To the gallant and lamented General Philip 
Keaeney is especial honor due for his great aid in 
the restoration of the fortunes of the day, on the 
hard-foup;ht field of Williamsburo-. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

HIS LETTERS HOME. 

"Give me my home! to quiet dear, 

Where hours untold all peaceful move ; 
So fate ordain, I often here 

Would list the tones of those I love." 

Mrs. Opie. 

THE advance of the Uoion army up tlie Virginia 
Peninsula, continued General Hancock at the 
front. He participated, with his accustomed gal- 
lantry, in the battles of Garnett's Hill, Savage Sta- 
tion, White Oak Swamp, and several skirmishes of 
an important character. 

While thus occupied in the field of battle for his 
country, the General seized a moment to write a hur- 
ried letter home. It shows the heart of the true 
man, in the camp of the gallant soldier : 

"U. S. Camp, near Richmond, 23a of May, 1862. 
" My Dear Mother: 

I wrote to father a few days ago. It has been some time since I 
heard from him or you. I presume some of your letters have missed 
me, in consequence of the changes of the field. 

(148) 



HIS LETTERS HOME. 149 

I am well ; and so, also, is brother John. We are not in Rich- 
mond yet, but trust we shall be there, all in good time. 

I hope that God, in his good mercy, will permit both your sons 
to reach that city, in safety and in honor. 

I have not much time to write. Give my best love to father. 
And believe me 

Your devoted son, 

WiNFiELD S. Hancock." 
" Mrs. Elizabeth Hancock, 

Norristown, Pa." 

This confiding tribute to his mother is of the same 
class with all his letters home. While at one of his 
Western posts, early in the service; at the age of 
twenty -three years, he writes to his twin brother : 

"Newport Barracks, Ky., May 5, 1847. 
'* My Dear Hilary: 

I was exceedingly glad to find, on my arrival here from Fort Scott, 
two long and interesting letters from you. The only thing that 
grieves me is that I cannot get to Mexico. I made an application 
to-day to join the army going to the front. Whether the Adjutant 
General will favor it or not I do not know ; but think it doubtful. 

I am actively engaged as Superintendent of the recruiting service 
for the Western Division, and acting as Assistant Inspector General ; 
but, though my services are said to be useful, I still want to go to 
Mexico. 

Your affectionate brother, 

WiNFIELD," 

How different might have been his career, had his 

13* 



150 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

going to Mexico continued to be 'doubtful' ! But all 
his doubts on that subject Avere soon after removed. 
In a few weeks he was ordered to the front. From 
there he writes to his father : 

"Tacubaya, Mexico, August 26, 1847. 
*'My Dear Father: 

I feel thankful that I am able to write to you from this place. We 
have had to fight desperately to get here. It has been the theatre 
of a sanguinary battle. I left oflf my last letter to engage in prepa- 
rations for it." 



In the following October he writes from Mexico : 



" I am exceedingly anxious to see you all. I send you some of 
the plans of our engagements." 

Writing to his brother Hilary, under date of City 
of Mexico, December 6, 1847, he says : 

'* My Dear Hilary : 

I am again made happy by the arrival of three letters from home. 

You ask me whether I have been in battle? I answer, proudly, 
yes ! Beside being in several skirmishes, on the road fr.:m Puebla 
to Vera Cruz, — in all of which I can truly say I have endeayored to 
do my duty, — it was my part to participate in the battles of San 
Antonio, Churubusco, Molino del Rey, and the conquest of the City 
of Mexico. I only missed the fight of Chepultepec by being sick 
in my tent, and off duty, at the time. I shall always be sorry that 
I wa8 absent. I was lying ill with chills and fever, directly under 



HIS LETTERS HOME. 151 

the fort, at the time the action began. I could not remain still 
under the firing; but, wrapping my blanket about me, I crept to the 
top of tho roof of the nearest house, watched the fight, and had 
strength enough to cheer with the boys when the Castle fell. The 
balls whizzed around me, but I kept my post, doing what I could ; 
and when I learned that the colors I saw hoisted on the conquered 
walls were those of my own regiment, my heart beat quick at the 
glorious sight. 

The winter has set in here, and some chilly days are the conse- 
quence. The summits of lofty Popocatapetl are capped with more 
snow than is usual at this season. No snows, however, are on the 
plains. Here the roads are open and many of them beautiful. The 
Almada, or great Square of the Capital, is far superior to anything 
of the kind in the United States, The carriage road on the outskirts 
is splendid, and, at times, crowded with gay equipages. It is, also, 
a fashionable resort for walks. Its age is three centuries. 

Give my love to father, mother, brother John, and all my other 
friends. Winfield." 

He again writes his family from near Toluca, Jan- 
uary 5th, 1848: 

"We have another snow mountain overlooking us — the Neviado. 
When the wind blows from that direction it is bitterly cold. But 
January is the end of the Mexican winter. The days begin to grow 
warmer as the month advances, although the nights continue chilly. 
There are no fire-places, and consequently no fires ; as we more 
Northern-born find, to our great discomfort. 

The Valley of Toluca is most beautiful, and very fertile. Like 
all the other Mexican valleys I have seen, it is perfectly level, as 
if it had once been the bottom of a large lake. Some of these won- 
derful areas look like the craters of extinct volcanoes. In the Valley 



152 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER' ti SON. 

of Mexico one of the remaining lakes is twenty miles long and 
fifteen broad. 

The variety of fruits produced here is astonishing. On one of the 
market days, recently, over fifty diflferent kinds were on sale. Think 
of opening a fine, fresh, ripe watermelon, in the month of January! 

Love to all. Winfielb." 

All his letters to his friends are written in this free 
and affectionate style. They contain, beside his de- 
scriptions of places and landscapes, his expressions 
of personal interest, fall and correct accounts of his 
battles, and graphic drawings of the fields. It would 
be pleasing to give longer extracts, did the extent 
of our volume admit of it. These will suffice to 
show the character of the writer, inasmuch as he 
wrote Avithout the remotest expectation that his let- 
ters would ever appear in print. 

In what a pleasing light do these unstudied epis- 
tles present the subject of this memoir ! His love 
of home, of kindred, of country, of the cause in which 
he has enlisted, his quiet devotion to duty in the 
midst of battle and danger, show the man as he is, 
and reflect new lustre on the niche of fame where his 
valor has placed him. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

RETURNING FROM THE PENINSULA. 

" They come ! they come ! 0, waiting souls ! 
They gather in their might; 
Their hearts are leal, their words are true, 
They battle for the right." 

Anoiu 

DURING tbe -operations of the Union army im- 
mediately before Eichmond, in the spring of 
1862, General Hakcock had taken his usual active 
part. His brigade had continued in the division of 
General Smith, now a part of a new provisional army 
corps, in command of General W. B. Franklin. He 
was posted on the right of the main body, aiding in 
conducting the siege. His duties were peculiarly- 
arduous in those pestilential swamps of the Chicka- 
hominy. He shared in all the dangers and fatigues 
of the principal attacks, and rendered important aid 
by his regular army experience in conducting the 
safe withdrawal of the men under his command. 
At the. fierce battle of Gaines' Mills, Hancock was 

(153) 



154 WI^ FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SOX. 

in charge of an independent body of troops, tempo- 
rarily attached to his brigade. His position was in 
the extreme advance, his picket line extending across 
an intersecting ravine. At this point he met and 
overcame a terrific fire of the enemy, massed in five 
regiments; keeping them at bay, and thereby pre- 
venting them from pushing on to another part of the 
field they were anxious to reach. 

Late in the afternoon of the 27th of June, the 
enemy, being reinforced, commenced to attack the 
lines of Hancock more furiously than ever, from the 
south side of the stream. It was evidently their 
purpose to force him back, and thus- separate him 
from the main portion of the army. The attack was 
opened with a heavy artillery fire of grape, shell, 
r(Aind shot and shrapnel. It Avas the most furious 
onset made by the rebels in that portion of the field. 
The cry ran along the lines of the enemy: 

"No quarter to the Yankees! Into the river with 
them ! Shoot them down in the water !" 

This fier}^ assault was led by General Toombs, of 
Georgia, formerly for several }' ears a member of Con- 
gress, and for some time a Senator of the United 
States. The enemy came forward with a yell and a 
dash, calculating to drive everything before them. 
There were five regiments of infantry, yelling and 



12 E TURNING FROM THE PENINSULA. 155 

surging to and fro, like a horde of savages. The 
figlit became^ in places, one of hand-to-liand; and 
there was no spot where the opposing forces were 
more than ten paces apart. The attack was as short 
as it was fierce ; but it ended in the complete repulse 
of the rebels. They were driven back, with all their 
yells and clatters, leaving nearly three hundred killed 
and wounded on the field. 

This brief but sanguinary fight is known as that 
of Garnett's Hill. 

On the following morning the enemy renewed the 
attack, with all the fury of armed men balked of 
their prey. But they were again signally repulsed, 
with loss ; leaving a Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, and 
other officers and men of the Seventh and Eighth 
Georgia regiments, prisoners in our hands 

General Hancock continued to hold the enemy in 
check at this important point until three o'clock of 
the morning of the 28th of June, when he rejoined 
the remainder of the division of General Smith, and 
participated actively in the obstinate battles of Sav- 
age's Station, on the 29th, and of White Oak Swamp, 
on the 30th of the same montli. 

For his services at Garnett's Hill he was again 
recommended for appointment as Major General of 
Volunteers, by the commander of the army. He was 



156 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

recommended, subsequently, for three brevets in the 
Regular Army, for meritorious conduct during tbe 
Peninsular campaign. 

On his return from the Peninsula, General Han- 
cock prepared at once to take part in the defence of 
Washington, made by General Pope against the ad- 
vance of the rebel army, under Lee. But before he 
could reach the field of action, the Union army had 
withdrawn to a better position for the immediate 
protection of the city. 

The particulars of the career of Hancock in front 
of Eichmond, in the campaign of '62, are thus care- 
fully narrated here, in order that it may be seen with 
what pertinacity, skill and courage he continued to 
act his part. 

We must now go with him to the battle of An- 
tietam ; where the unusual honor was conferred upon 
him of being made a division commander, during 
the engagement. 



CHAP TER XVIII. 

AT ANTIETA3L 

" For freedom's battle, once begun, 
Bequeathed by bleeding sire to son. 
Though baffled oft, is ever won." 

Bijron. 

ON the 27tli of June, 1862, the brevet of Colonel 
in the Eegular Army was bestowed on Hancock, 
for distinguished conduct in the Peninsular campaign. 
His next service was in command of his brigade at 
the battle of Antictam, in Maryland, which was 
fought on the 17th of September, of the same year. 

This battle was one of the most baffling in its im- 
mediate character of any of the war ; and yet its 
results have been eminently beneficial to the Union 
cause. 

The transfer of the seat of operations from the 
front of Washington to the Maryland line had much 
enlarged the sphere of the Army of the Potomac. 
It became necessary not only to cover the National 
Capital with an adequate force, but Baltimore, Phila- 
14 (157) 



158 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

delpliia, and important interior towns, even as far 
west as Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, required protection. 
The enemy were on the alert in all directions, de- 
manding the most vigilant efforts of our patriotic 
troops to meet and overcome them. 

The first prizes to be fought for by the rebels and 
to be defended by the patriots were Washington, 
Baltimore, the Cumberland Yalley, Harper's Ferry 
and Philadelphia 

On the 16th of September the rebels were posted 
on the heights in the rear of Antietam creek. This 
stream rises in the southern pa*t of Pennsylvania, 
and pursuing a southerly course through a portion 
of Maryland, empties into the Potomac. The coun- 
try contiguous is broken, and beyond are the passes 
of the South Mountain range. The principal roads 
in the vicinit}^ lead to and from Sharp sburg, Hagers- 
town, Harper's Ferry and Baltimore. The body of 
the rebels occupied strong positions among the hills, 
commanding the valleys and plains below, for a con- 
siderable distance. Their artillery was well posted 
on all the principal heights. 

It Avas the design of the Union commander to 
attack the enemy on their left. The Pennsylvania 
troops were among the first to advance. The posi- 
tion of affairs, as our men swept into the areas before 



AT ANTIETAM. 159 

the rebel guns, was intensely trying ; but their valor 
sustained them well to the close of the hard-fought 
engagement. Our loss in killed and wounded, espe- 
cially in officers, was large, several generals being 
carried from the scene of action. 

In the valley of Antietam, where some of the hot- 
test engagements of the battle were fought, we were 
crowded into a narrow space, and subject to a galling 
fire from the protected batteries of the enemy. It 
was found to be almost impossible to enfilade them, 
in consequence of the abruptness of the hills. These 
steep slopes were lined with rifle-pits and breast- 
works, from which the rifles and guns swept large 
portions of the whole of that part of the field. 

As our troops continued to advance, determined to 
drive the enemy from their strongholds, the slaughter 
was fearful. But they pressed on to every point 
where there was any possibility of meeting the foe 
on equal grounds. The rebels were now strongly 
reinforced, battery being added to battery, as if they 
were determined, in return, to make a wholesale 
butchery of the brave men so exposed before 
their fire. 

The battle over the entire field was much of it of 
this description. It was one of the most unequal 
fights on •record. Our artillery was promptly filed 



160 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

into action, and handled with great courage and skill ; 
but it lost immensely in every assault by the vast 
superiority of position obtained by the rebel gun- 
ners. Our batteries could not be brought into good 
point-blank range without the greatest difficulty; 
and, when they were, the rebel embankments afforded 
them such protection that the most telling shots pro- 
duced but little effect. 

The first day closed on a conflict in which nearly 
two hundred thousand men had been hotly engaged 
for fourteen hours. 

Harper's Ferry was disgracefully surrendered in 
the midst of the battle ; thus cutting off a large sup- 
ply of troops and munitions, at the same time fur- 
nishing a strong strategic point to the rebels, and 
materially interfering with the successful prosecution 
of the plans of the Union generals. But, with all 
these disadvantages on our side, the enemy were 
driven out of their entrenched mountain passes, com- 
pelled to fight and submit to defeat in the more open 
country, and to withdraw, subdued, thwarted, hum- 
bled, from Maryland to Virginia. 

The part taken by Hancock in the battle of Antie- 
tam was characteristic of the man. He was prompt, 
vigilant, courageous in every portion of the engage- 
ments in which he participated. His own native 



. AT ANTIETAM. 161 

hills of Pennsylvania were just beyond the field. 
The capital of the nation was liable to be assailed by 
an unscrupulous enemy. The large cities of Baltimore 
and Philadelphia were to be defended. The honor 
of the Army of the Potomac was to be maintained. 
These grave contingencies found him fully prepared. 

On the night of the 17th of September, in the 
presence of a large and embattled force of the enemy, 
he slept on the field, with the brave troops who 
had won the day. By the morning of the 19th 
General Lee had withdrawn beyond the reach of pur- 
suit, with an acknowledged loss of about fourteen 
thousand men, in killed and wounded. 

During the height of the battle an incident occur- 
red in his immediate command, which strikingly 
illustrates the character of Hancock. It took place 
on the night of September 16th. One of the new 
regiments, now for the first time in action, was in 
position on the brow of a commanding hill. The 
shots of the enemy raked it in such a way that the 
men were lying close to the ground, their rifles in 
hand, well loaded. They had done what they could 
on their line, and were now waiting additional orders. 
The commander of the regiment and all his officers 
were prostrate on the earth, with the men, among 
whom th^ rebel balls occasionally ploughed deep fur- 
14* 



162 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

rows, scattering the soil and stones in all directions. 
Tlie moon was riding higli in the heavens ; but the 
smoke of battle, which had not at that point ceased 
with the coming on of night, dimmed its shining 
rays. It was sufficiently clear, however, to distin- 
guish persons and places with considerable readiness. 

At this moment Hancock rode np to the prostrate 
regiment. Looking around for the Colonel, who 
could not be distinguished at once in the dim light 
of the moon, and through the smoke of battle, he 
enquired : 

"Who commands this regiment?" 

" I do, sir !" replied the new Colonel, bobbing up 
his head from its hole in the ground, and then, as an 
unfriendly shot whizzed by his ear, bobbing it back 
again. 

jSTow, the Colonel was a truly brave man, with all 
the shrewdness of a Yankee. Having been bred to 

the law, and never under fire before, it took him some 

« 

time to 'master the situation,' and to be able to 'de- 
fine his position.' At that interesting period of his 
military novitiate, as one of his 'high privates' 
quaintly remarked, 'things looked kinder skeery.' 

In his lowly posture, the Colonel had forgotten to 
rise and tender his superior the customary salute. 

General Hancock, still mounted, and his staff around 



AT ANTIETAM. 163 

him, at once saw the state of ^the case,' although he 
did not then understand all its legal attitudes and 
bearings. With his usual courtesy, he again en- 
quired : 

"How many men have you on duty. Colonel?" 

"About eight hundred, I guess!" the Colonel re- 
plied, bobbing up his head, turning his face half-way 
toward the General, and quickly bobbing it back 
again to his covert. 

"Are you ohout ready for an advance. Colonel?" 
quietly continued Hancock, now beginning to smile 
at the ludicrous scene. 

"I rather guess Ave shall be," came a smothered 
voice from the hole, " when we're ordered to." 

" Perhaps Generaf Hancock may order you to !" 
politely interposed one of Hancock's aids, as he 
pointed with his drawn sword to the commander of 
the division. 

"General Hancock !" exclaimed the Colonel, spring- 
ing to his feet, and saluting in his best manner. 

" I beg you pardon, General ! I feel ashamed to 
be caught in this position. It is my first fight, 
sir. General ! I await your orders. I will follow 
you anywhere !" 

The General and staff now indulged in a good- 
natured, laugh, in which the Colonel heartily joined. 



164 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

As we have said, lie was really a brave man, and 
bad not the slightest idea of shirking his duty. But 
he saw, in a moment, how he and his new troops 
must appear in that position to Hancock. While the 
General and staff were sitting cahiily on their horses^ 
on the brow of the hill over which poured the rebel 
shots, he and his regiment had been lying on their 
faces, fiat on the ground. 

" Regiment !" he shouted, with a lusty voice, from 
which every shake and tremor had now fled : " Up, 
men ! Front face ! Present arms !" 

The whole command rose at the word, sprang into 
position in line, in good order, and gave the salute 
in true militar}^ style. The General returned it with 
his accustomed grace ; and, after giving the Colonel 
some additional instructions, passed with his staff 
along the front of battle. 

It is due to that Colonel to state here that he re- 
peatedly distinguished himself on that and other 
occasions ; and, after being wounded in a hand-to- 
hand fight, he has received and now worthily wears 
the honors of his native State. 

The scene will always be remembered by those 
who took part in it, as somewhat relieving with quiet 
humor the hard features of war. 

In the light of an impartial history it is clear that 



AT AKTIETAM. 265 

the rebels have not the slightest right to claim a tri- 
umph at Antietam. Our loss was a severe one, owing 
to the unassailable positions of the guns of the enemy ; 
but their loss was much greater, and their with- 
drawal, under the circumstances, was a confession of 
defeat. 

"How sleep the brave, who sink to rest, 
With all their country's wishes blest! 
When Spring, with dewy fingers cold, 
Shall oft frequent their hallowed mold, 
She there shall press a fairer sod 
Than Fancy's foot hath ever trod. 
By hands unseen their knell is runo-- 
By lips unseen their dirge is sung ; 
There Honor comes, a pilgrim grey, 
To dress the turf that wraps their clay; 
And Freedom shall awhile repair, 
To dwell, a weeping hermit, there." 



CHAPTER XIX. 

BEFORE FREDERICKSBURG. 

" The gods, in bounty, work up storms about us. 
That give mankind occasion to exert 
Their strength." Addison. 

THE Army of the Potomac returned from its Pe- 
ninsular campaign in the fall of 1862. In No- 
vember of that year it arrived at Falmouth, Virginia, 
having made the march from Warrenton, a distance 
of forty miles, in two days and a half. 

The ultimate object of the rebels was still the con- 
quest of Washington. Encouraged by their allies in 
treason, at home and abroad, compelled by the impe- 
rious demands of their necessities, they remained as 
long as possible in the vicinity of the national capi- 
tal. A strong column of the enemy, under the justly 
distinguished rebel General Thomas J. Jackson, had 
swept down suddenly on our rear, and placed the 
whole Union force, large as it was, at a temporarv 
disadvantnge. For many days the tide of battle hnd 



BEFORE FREDERWK^B URG. 1^7 

beat furiously against the patriot army. Unac- 
quainted with the country, surrounded by swarms of 
rebel spies, exposed to those deadly malarias of the 
lowlands and swamps to which the great majority of 
them were wholly unaccustomed, the heroic valor of 
our troops was suddenly called to encounter the most 
tearful odds of any that had yet been forced upon 
them. 

The fights in which Hancock had participated at 
Savage Station, Fair Oaks, and at other assailable 
points, were bitter and sanguinary. But in every 
encounter he came off victorious. He had hardly 
received the message to prepare for action at the lat- 
ter place, ere the enemy was charging all around 
him. His vigilance was equal to the emergency. 
The rebel artillery was most furious in its attack on 
his extended lines. A strong brigade of picked men, 
with a characteristic yell, burst on his pickets and 
dashed headlong at his principal battery. The bul- 
lets showered on his devoted camp, from all direc- 
tions. The smoke from the contending guns filled 
all the air of the open spaces, and the sulphurous mist 
of musketry hung like a cloud along the edges of the 
dim forests. The Union men answered the wild 
yells of the rebels with lusty cheers, and drove them 



168 WINFIELD, THE LATFYEB'S SON. 

back at every onset. Two Georgia regiments were 
nearly cut to pieces by Hancock''s guns. He cap- 
tured a considerable number of prisoners ; among 
whom was one of the most notorious of the Southern 
secessionists, Colonel Lamar, of Georgia. He had 
once been a member of the national Congress. A 
Lieutenant Colonel shared his captivity. 

The perilous fighting of those memorable days 
must ever iill a bloody page in the volumes of Ameri- 
can history. Men never fought more bravely, never 
suffered more terrible privations from hunger, expo- 
sure, thirst and fatigue, than did those columns of 
Union troops in all those closing scenes of that Pe- 
ninsular campaign. The unflinching valor of our 
men was admitted on all hands by the enemy. 

One report of these battles states that the following- 
conversation took place between our own and some 
rebel officers. The Union officers asked : 

"Did your men respect Yankee fighters?" 

"Yes!" was the prompt reply. "They quite sur- 
prise us." 

"You admit, then, there has been no faltering 
among us on the Chickahominy ?" 

"Certainly we do! There never could have 
been better fighting than yours in any part of the 
world." 



BEFORE FREDERICKSB UR G. 1 09 

Among all these acknowledged deeds of valor, the 
name of Hancock must ever stand conspicuous. 

The object of the rebels in following rapidly on 
after the Union army was, if possible, to intercept it, 
cut off its supplies, and then dash into Washington. 
They were perfectly familiar with all the Southern 
approaches to the capital. Their leaders in political 
affairs had been wont to rule it by approaches from 
the Southern side ; why should they not possess it 
now, with arms, from the same direction ? On all 
of their advances friends and allies surrounded them. 
There were plenty of traitors in our own camps. In 
Washington they occupied some of the most lucra- 
tive posts of the government ; they swarmed through 
all the avenues; they chatted and whispered, they 
wrote and plotted in some of the most fashionable 
circles of society ; and even in the darkest and filthi- 
est purlieus of vice. Government plunderers were 
their secret counsellors ; pimps and courtezans were 
their ready spies. Traitors, swindlers, peculators, 
stock-fanciers, all through the land, stood ready to 
aid them in the complete subjugation of the capital 
of the nation at the feet pf the South. New Eng- 
land was to be sloughed off, as a pestilential plague- 
spot on the body politic. New York was to become 

^ free city, and form a treaty of amity and alliance 
15 



170 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SOX. 

with the confederated traitors. The "West was to 
assume Mr. Calhoun's attitude of 'masterly inactivity' 
toward the rebellion ; and, satisfied with its great 
interior empire and the free navigation of the Mis- 
sissippi, was to be active only in fighting and keep- 
ing out of the new Confederation; the loathed and 
hated East. 

It was a barbaric tiara of treason, with which to 
adorn the ' grim-visaged front' of a wicked rebellion, 
on whose crimson crest Washington was to glitter 
as the central star. It was to be a triple crown of 
despotic power, emblazoned with the South, the Cen- 
tre and the West ; and the red hand of the Confede- 
racy, its fingers yet dripping Avith the heart's blood 
of the Eepublic, was to hold the keys. 

The march of the Army of the Potomac to Fal- 
mouth, Virginia, in the middle of November, 1862, 
was one of the first of those strategic movements 
that resulted, ultimately, in the protection of Wash- 
ington. In all that march, however, and while going 
into camp, our troops were seriously annoyed by the 
enemy. By making detours through by-roads, val- 
leys and woods, we avoided those contests in which 
we must invariably have fought at a disadvantage. 

The great object of the rebels — acting, no doubt, 
under the immediate orders of Lee — was to possess 



BEFORE FREDERICKSBURG. 171 

themselves of our guns. These, they well knew, 
would be eminently useful to us in the defence of 
Washington, and they were determined, if possible, 
to wrest them from us. Their most practiced sharp- 
shooters were numerously detailed to pick ofi* our 
gunners and horses, so that, in the miry roads of the 
fall season, the weapons might become an easy prey. 

General Buenside, at that time in command of the 
Army of the Potomac, completely deceived the enemy. 
They had no idea he would take the route he did. 
It was their expectation and hope that he would 
march for the defence of the capital by the way of 
Gordonsville, wh-ere they were prepared to assail him, 
in front and rear, from behind their strong entrench- 
ments. 

Our forces advanced in three columns — Hancock 
being on the extreme right of the line. His disci- 
pline of his troops was perfect, and his march made 
in good order. Few stragglers were anywhere to be 
seen ; and he passed on rapidly in advance of the 
main body. The region through which he advanced 
was fearfully desolate. The fiery foot-prints of war 
had been there twice before. 

Falmouth is one of the oldest towns in Virginia. 
It was' settled as early as the year 1717. The houses 
have an 'antiquated appearance, and but little active 



172 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

business is transacted within its precincts. There is 
no public building in the town of any note. The 
old-fashioned brick dwellings; with their quaint dor- 
mer windows, carry you back to the days when Vir- 
ginia was a colony of England, and when this ancient 
town stood on the outskirts of civilization in the land 
of Pocahontas. 

The troops of General Hancock swept rapidly 
through this region, fording rivers and ascending 
high hills in their march. The soldiers were in good 
spirits, singing gaily their army songs, and reposing 
unbounded confidence in their leader. The head 
waters of the Eappahannock soon came into view, then 
the contiguous heights of the Blue Ridge of moun- 
tains, tliat put out their spurs from this region to the 
shores of the Chesapeake Bay. The historic travel- 
ler looks in vain for the signs of the English Fal- 
mouth of Henry the Eighth, for the Castles of Pen- 
dennis and Saint Mawes, and the opening view of 
the British Channel. 

The principal importance of Falmouth lies in the 
fact of its close proximity with the larger town of 
Fredericksburg, another of the old but more enter- 
prising Virginia settlements. It is the county-seat 
of Spottsylvania. Its location is on the right bank 
of the Rappahannock river, and has some advantages 



m THE FREDERICKSBURG BATTLE. 173 

for manufactures and commerc-e. The tide water 
here terminates, at a distance of sixtj-five miles north 
of Eichmond. The railway from "Washington to 
Richmond passes through Fredericksburg, rendering 
it an important point for the possession of an army 
m time of war. 

General Lee had telegraphed to the inhabitants of 
Fredericksburg the fact of the near approach of the 
Union troops. We approached the town in four col- 
umns — infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Its surrender 
was demanded on the 21st of November, 1862, by 
General Sumner, then commanding the right division. 
A correspondence ensued between him and the civil 
authorities, at the termination of which preparations 
were commenced for shelling the town. The delay 
of the rebels in surrendering, for which every oppor- 
tunity that courtesy could demand was afforded them, 
prompted an attack from the Union batteries. Mean- 
while, General Lee had reached the spot, making it 
as defensible as possible, on his march toward Wash- 
ington. 

On the ensuing 13th of December the battle opened. 
It was fiercely contested on both sides, the rebels 
having every advantage in position and massing of 
force. 

The shelling of the two previous days, and the 
15* 



174 WIXFIELD, TEE LAJVTEE'S SON, 

landing across tlie river of bodies of picked men, had 
done the enemy considerable damage. The passage 
of the stream was repeatedly made, and under cir- 
cumstances well calculated to test the valor of our 
patriot troops. In consequence of the impossibility 
of lowering the range of our batteries on the bank 
so as to reach the town in , front to advantage, the 
houses and walls in that vicinity afforded protection 
to the sharp-shooters of the enemy, who were busily 
engaged picking off our gunners. Notwithstanding 
thiS; the cannonading continued from a line of fire 
supplied by one hundred and seventy-nine guns, 
ranging from ten-pounder Parrotts to four-and-a-half- 
inch siege guns, posted along the convex side of the 
arc of the circle, formed by the bend of the river and 
land opposite the doomed town. 

The part of Hancock, in command of a division, 
was everything that became him. His troops were 
among those who performed the daring feat of cross- 
ing the river in open boats, scaling the opposite 
banks, in the face of a deadly fire, and driving off 
the enemy from their lurking places. They scattered 
up the streets at our approach, throwing away arms 
and accoutrements in their rapid flight. The shouts 
of our men swept across the water as they witnessed 
this gallant action, while returning cheers came back 



IiY THE FREDERICKSBURG BATTLE. 175 

from the brave fellows who at such imminent peril 
had won the day. 

Next followed the work of throwing pontoon 
bridges across the river. Our men plunged waist- 
deep into the stream, and worked as men do who are 
under the sacred inspiration of patriotic duty. In 
less than half an hour the first bridge was completed, 
and a body of troops thrown across. The attempt 
to shell them from the rebel batteries was a signal 
failure. 

The principal force of the enemy in Fredericks- 
burg consisted of Mississippians, South Carolinians, 
and Floridians. ~ 

A few months previous to this engagement. General 
Hancock, being still in the advance, had reached 
Bolivar Heights, on the line of the Potomac, early 
in the morning, and driven the enemy before him. 
He passed on to Charlestown, Virginia, which he 
occupied. When at a distance of a mile and a half 
from the town, the rebels had opened their batteries 
on him ; but he used his guns to such advantage that 
they were glad to retire. 

Following up this success, he entered Snicker's 
Gap, Virginia, still driving the rebels. A column of 
their infantry advanced to retake it, but the fire of 
the guns of Hancock rapidly dispersed them. 



176 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

These reconnoissances discovered the whereabouts 
of the enemy, and prepared the way for the part 
which Hancock subsequently took in the battle of 
Fredericksburg. Ever on the alert, ever prompt at 
the call for action, he was in every part of the field 
occupied by his division, cheering and animating the 
men by his gallant bearing. 

The passage across the Eappahannock was made 
by General Buknside, then in chief command, under 
the greatest local disadvantages. Deceived by a feint 
of the enemy, who had purposely withdrawn a part 
of his force in front, apparently leaving his defences 
unprotected, Burnside threw his men over the river, 
only to be drawn before the batteries on the hills 
beyond Fredericksburg, from which the most deadly 
and continuous fire was poiired into our unprotected 
ranks. It was placing them in the bottom of a great 
basin of land, to be fired upon by the shielded guns 
on the commanding ridges above. The crossing was 
hardly accomplished ere the hidden reserves of the 
enemy were brought rapidly to the front, and massed 
on our extended lines with terrific slaughter. The 
Union troops were swept down before the long files 
of protected batteries, like grass before the scythe of 
the mower. 

The crests in the rear were reached by an ascending 



IN THE FREDERICKSB UR G BA TTLE. 1 7 7 

advance that had to be fought, every inch of the way, 
in the face of ti galling fire. The country and en- 
trenchments beyond were nearly hidden by a dense 
fog, rendered more impenetrable by the clouds of 
smoke, belching from the rebel guns, that hung like 
a pall on the fortified hills. Every step was made 
by the men in uncertainty as to the numbers and 
positions of the enemy. It was only known Lee was 
before them, and that he was prepared at all points 
for assault or attack. Our own lines were more or 
less detached, being sent forward in separate bodies, 
whose means of communication were imperfect at the 
base, and liable to be fatally interrupted. If the 
rebels could have been outflanked and reached by 
means of an attack in the rear, the position would 
have been widely different, and the result, no doubt, 
equally so. The attack on our part was all that 
could be expected of brave men. It was steady, 
vigorous, dashing ; but the exposure was too great 
for success. By the contingencies of the fog and our 
delay in throwing over the bridges, the enemy had 
ample time to mass his forces, to complete his de- 
fences, to bring up his reserves, and to place his bat- ' 
teries in such positions that they could sweep every- 
thing before them. 

During the two days in w^hich the Union army 



178 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'^ ISDN. 

stood in order of battle before Fredericksburg, advanc- 
ing to the very front, and into the flash, and heat, and 
iron deluge of the descending rebel fire, the courage 
of the men was admirable. Their stand was one of 
the boldest ever taken by any army ; and bravely 
they mxaintained it to the last. The courage with 
which that contest was so long maintained against a 
numerous army strongly entrenched, the skill and 
strategy with which our troops were crossed and re- 
crossed, in the face of the sweeping fire of the enem}^, 
will ever reflect credit on the Army of the Potomac. 
The course of General Hancock on that occasion 
exhibits his prudence as well as valor in a most 
striking light. He is generally associated, as he well 
deserves to be, with dashing deeds of brilliant valor ; 
but his course at Fredericksburg, as at other points, 
proves his caution to be equal to his courage. ISTo 
officer is more careful than he of the lives of his men. 
He regards, as he should, these enlisted fellow-citi- 
zens as committed to his care, and that he is respon- 
sible that their lives shall not be thrown away. When, 
therefore, the whole army crossed the Eappahannock 
and drew up in order of battle before the entrenched 
legions of Lee, the first movement of Hancock Avas 
to halt as many of his troops as he could command 
in a sheltered valley. Here he gave them an oppor- 



IN TUB FREDERICKSBURG BATTLE. 179 

tunitj, as a strict tactician, to pause, survey the field, 
and prepare for the deadly onset. The arms were 
stacked, and the men bivouacked for several hours. 
They needed the rest. They fought all the better 
for being granted it by the Greneral. 

The instant the time for decided action arrived, the 
division of Hancock was advancing. He moved for- 
w^ard close to the river, and remained in that position 
all night. In less than two hours from the time his 
troops were in motion the head of the column had 
crossed the river. When it reached the post assigned 
it, directly in front of the enemy, the men were ankle- 
deep in mud. It was toward the beginning of win- 
ter, and the chilly winds were sweeping through the 
valley of the Eappahannock. But so perfect was the 
discipline of Hancock, that, while camp-fires were 
forbidden, the wet and cold ranks maintained their 
positions in the line. Together officers and men, 
with Hancock at their head, laid down on the Avet 
and frosty ground, with no pillow but the muddy 
earth and no covering but the cloudy sky of a De- 
cember night. With a fortitude and equanimity of 
which history furnishes but few parallels, these heroic 
men bore the privations of that dismal scene, planting 
their colors in the darkness, and resolving to stand 
by them to the last through every trying hour. 



180 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

The battle began with the rising of the sun of the 
followino^ mornino^. As soon as the division advanced, 
Hancock ordered skirmishers to be thrown out on 
the left flank, the column still advancing under a con- 
tinuous fire of shot and shell. Eegiment after regi- 
ment coming up and deploying in line of battle drew 
down a sweeping fire from the hidden foe. But our 
force remained at the front, and continued so, during 
the action. Every attempt that was made by the 
enemy to break through Hancock's line was imme- 
diately repulsed. The men halted on the march 
through the uj^per parts of the city only to form 
more perfect lines of battle, and do the more execu- 
tion in the attack. His voice was heard above the 
roar of conflict, calling on the men who survived: 
" Close up, men ! Steady ! Close up ! Forward !" 
In the midst of the fearful scenes of carnage that 
followed, the care of Hancock for the hospitals, and 
those wounded who could not reach them, showed 
the character of the man. The buildings selected 
for hospital service were watched over with tender 
care, and as safely guarded as the exciting circum- 
stances of the moment would permit. While wounded 
himself, and remaining in the heat of the battle, he 
was constantly allowing suflterers to. retire from the 
field and recross the river. But every permission of 



IN THE FREDERICKSBVRG BATTLE. 181 

this kind was coupled with tlie firm command that 
every man whose wounds would admit of it, must 
return to the fight. Hundreds of his division, by his 
good management, were recruited and re-engaged in 
the action in this way. His troops fought well to 
the close, and were brought off in good order. 
Such, was Hancock at Fredericksburo-. 



IG 



CHAPTER XX. 
AT CHANCE LLORSVILLE. 

"When Nelson fought his battle of the Nile, it was the result, alone, 
that decided whether he was to kiss a hand at court or a rod at a court- 
martial." — Cvlion. 

IF the battle of Chancellorsville; Yirgioia, is to be 
judged by its immediate results, it was disas- 
trous to the Union arms. If it is to be judged by 
its ultimate effects on the American army and peo- 
ple, it was a success to the Union cause. It was a 
fearfull}^ bloody battle ; in some respects one of the 
most so ever fought by any people, in any age. 

The enemy had temporarily succeeded in the Na- 
poleonic movement of massing large bodies of his 
troops in the centre of our most exposed position. 
lie did not conquer us; he could not justly claim a 
victory; but he had, for a time, weakened a part of 
our power for offensive warfare. 

This battle was fought in the first week of Alay, 
1863. The country in which it occurred is nearly 

(181') 



AT CHANCELLORSVILLE. 183 

all wild and unfrequented. Parts of it are still a 
dense, unbroken wilderness. The army of tlie Union 
was commanded by General Hooker; 'that of Dis- 
union by General Lee. The advance made by our 
forces was amons: the tans:led forests and dark inn- 
gles of the dismal wastes of Stafford. In some places 
they were completely surrounded by hidden foes, who 
peered upon them unseen from behind dark thickets, 
and fired at their uncovered columns from their des- 
olate refuges among the munitions of rocks. 

Never was a country more capable in itself of be- 
ing defended ; never was one more difficult to over- 
come. It Avas like a woody Sebastopol in the wilds 
of Virginia ; an inland Gibraltar of the West. 

The Union troops moved into these environed fast- 
nesses, that bristled with rebel bayonets in every 
thick- set wood, and frowned with lebel artillery in 
every rocky pass. Their march was taken up at an 
early hour in the morning, and by seven o'clock the 
army was well massed in the outskirts of that gloomy 
battle-field. 

On the 2d of May General Hancock, then in com- 
mand of a division, posted his men in the most 
guarded manner. Surprises and ambuscades were to 
be looked for, on every hand. The skirmishers Avere 
thrown out by him in all directions, and abattis and 



184 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

rifle-pits placed in front. The whole of his line was 
on the edge of a deep, dark Avood, where it remained 
in battle arrdy during the Avhole of that night. 

Early in the morning of the following day the di- 
vision moved forward. The attack on the enemy 
immediately began. Notwithstanding their protec- 
tion in the v/oods, they were driven out of them, then 
from their rifle-pits, then along the rude plank road 
that lay beyond. A large column, massed in the 
distance, seeinsr the retreat, rushed backward with 
speed, and, for a time, fairly fled out of sight in the 
jungles. Eifle-pits were constructed rapidly along 
the enemy's lines, and skirmishing was kept up by 
Hancock, at a distance of onl}^ a few hundred yards 
in front of our works on the extreme right. 

At ten o'clock that morning, the skirmish line ex- 
tended some distance down the Fredericksburg road, 
directly fronting and 'close to the hidden position of 
the rebels. They had opened a brisk fire on our lines, 
at this point, on a previous occasion, keeping up their 
infantry volleys for four successive hours ; but our 
resistance had been so general and so firm, it gradu- 
ally slackened off, and then died away. Every 
attempt to break our lines had proved futile. Volley 
had been met by volley; battery by battery; our 
men growing more energetic and determined at each 



AT CHANCELLORSVILLE. 185 

assault, until the rebels were satisfied they could not 
move us from our position, and sullenly withdrew. 
They did not yell once. 

These men were in the immediate command of 
Hancock. He led them in person, placed them in 
the field under his own eye, and remained to take 
part in every engagement. His breastworks were 
well coDstructed as an offset to sudden assaults from 
the coverts of the woods, while his skirmishers, in 
rifle-pits, were well posted to prevent surprises. The 
men behaved well. Every attempt to enfilade them 
was promply met and repulsed, and every savage as- 
sault to capture our colors was hurled back in defeat. 
Much credit is due to the management of the Union 
batteries, on all these occasions. 

A part of the way to the battle-field had to be pur- 
sued in open boats, where the navigation was tedious, 
and the line of march everywhere exposed to the 
wily foe. Arrived on the ground, our men took their 
positions with a coolness and courage worthy of the 
highest praise. They knew not the number of their 
secreted enemy ; they could only tell by the rattling 
rifles and roaring cannon that they were near, and in 
strong force. Dashing on toward them in and 
through the forests, our men repeatedly captured 
their earthworks, and conclusively proved to them 
10* 



186 WIKFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

and the world what we could do, with anything like 
equal numbers and a fair field. 

Hooker, Meade, Eeynolds, Couch, Howard, Birney, 
Slocum and Sickles were active in this engagement, 
and were remarkable for the promptness with which 
their plans were carried out, even against the fearful 
odds that opposed them. In the position he occupied, 
Hancock's part was not neglected. His troops were 
among the most valiant and successful of any in that 
bloody battle. 

In the height of the closing scenes of this terrible 
drama of carnage, the division was ordered to strike 
directly across the front of an advancing column of 
rebels. This column came sweeping furiously on, 
with its wonted rebel yell, almost demoniac in its 
character, in the shape of one of Napoleon's wedges 
of war. The design was to thrust it, with the utmost 
violence, in the centre of the Union lines favorably 
situated for the purpose. At this moment Hancock 
dashed directly across the field, in the face of the 
advancing rebels, striking their iron wedge with great 
force at the designated point, staggering its momen- 
tum, laying many rebels dead in their impetuous 
march, and breaking the effect of the intended blow. 
In half an hour from the time Hancock struck the 
yelling column, it was in flight from the field. 



AT CHANCELLORSVILLE. 187 

The final result of Chancellorsville was a bitter 
disappointment to the rebels. They were not only 
foiled, disconcerted, cheated of their longed-for prey, 
but they found they had met a foe, even in the 
underbrush and rocky ravines, the briery wilds and 
lurking darkness of those dim woods, fully equal 
to their steel. Lee discovered, to his cost, that he 
might slaughter us from behind his ambuscades; he 
might entangle us in the forests and through the 
winding by-paths with which he was familiar ; but 
he could not and did not conquer us in an honorable 
fight. The passage of our army across the river, in 
the face of imminent danger, is admitted by the rebel 
authorities to have been well done ; and the re-cross- 
ing, with a furious enemy close in the rear, was as 
masterly a piece of military strategy as was ever 
performed. 

The rebels lost in this battle five thousand prison- 
ers, fifteen stands of colors, seven pieces of artillery, 
nine thousand wounded, and a large amount of com- 
missary stores and munitions of war. 

By the 6th of June our army was safely across the 
river, at Falmouth. In looking back from this point 
over the field, we find that the division of General 
Hancock, in its imminent position on the extreme 
left, did all that brave men, well led, could have done. 



188 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

Tlieir losses were among the severest of that scene 
of terrible carnage. He not only held his own, in 
the very front of the fight, but drove the enemy, at 
all points. No men, on any field of battle, conld 
have been handled better than his were. His praise 
was on every tongue ; and the despatches of those in 
superior command speak of his deeds with the highest 
satisfaction. 

It was immediately after this engagement that 
President Lincoln, as Commander-in-chief, assigned 
General Hancock to the command of his favorite 
Second Corps in the Army of the United States. 

The traitors now proceeded afresh in their wicked 
designs for the destruction of a Union that had never 
done them wrong ; for the overthrow of a constitu- 
tion that had ever provided ample protection for all 
their rights. They massed their scattered forces 
anew, and prepared for a raid further north — the 
domineering onset and fitting conclusion of which 
we now proceed to describe. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

AT GETTYSB URG. 

"Out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety." 

Henry IV. 

rj^HE invasion of the States of Maryland and Penn- 
JL sjdvania, in the year 1863, by the large and 
picked force under the rebel General Robert Edward 
Lee, mast always occupy a conspicuous place in the 
history of the great American rebellion. In some 
respects it may be regarded as the turning point in 
the war. By a series of fortuitous circumstances 
the rebels had won several important victories. 
Flushed with these temporary successes, pressed for 
immediate supplies by the brilliant conquests won 
over their western bases by General Grant and Com- 
modore Foote, they turned, like hungry vultures in 
quest of fresh prey, on the tempting and compara- 
tively unguarded lines of the more Northern border 
States. The successful invasion of these States would 
not only redeem what they had already lost, and 

(189) 



190 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

what they had serious premonitions of losing, at the 
South and West, but it would supply their plundering 
hordes from, the teeming valleys and fertile plains 
and rich mountain mines of the central region of the 
country ; it would force beneath their trampling feet, 
and yield to their clutching hands, armed with incen- 
diary torches, the stores and shipping, the factories 
and dwellings of the populous cities of the Union. 
What a splendid prize for the ambitious traitors! 
With what fond delight the hearts of boasting chivalry 
gloated over the glorious prospect that opened before 
them ! 

It was known to the invaders that large bodies of 
the defenders of the Union had returned to their 
homes, their terms of service having expired. They 
entertained the belief that the force they might meet 
would be composed exclusively of the undisciplined 
yeomanry of the regions first to be ravaged, who, 
they imagined, would fall an easy prey to their ad- 
vancing veteran legions. They anticipated, and not 
without reason, that many sympathizers in their 
unnatural and wicked treason would hasten to meet 
them, with open arms, as they crossed the border. In 
the Atlantic cities, they knew, were large numbers 
of aliens, sworn subjects of foreign monarchs, who 
had sought our country only to witness or hasten its 



AT GETTYSBURG. l!ji 

dismemberment; who were ready to join, at a mo- 
ment's warning, with anybody and everybody who 
wonld be most certain to secure its destruction as a 
Eepublic. They were led on in this foul work of 
treason and crime by the master military spirit of 
the traitors in arms — a man who had drawn his very 
life-blood from the breast of the mother he was now 
seeking to stab to the heart, and whose companions 
in the guilty foray were commanded by subordinates 
of equal venality. Every one of the matricidal in- 
grates had been nursed by the United States. One 
had occupied a seat in the Congress of the nation; 
and all of them, from the highest to the lowest in 
rank, who had shared the instructions of our national 
military schools, had been in part sustained there from 
the tributes paid for their education by the people 
of the commonwealths they were at that moment 
aiming to destroy. The United States cadets in that 
invading force were, at the instant of invasion, under 
the most solemn oaths to defend those States against 
all comers ; to uphold the flag whose folds waved 
over them when they drank at the fountain of know- 
ledge it guarded, and whose familiar stripes and stars 
now fluttered so reproachfully and yet so gallantly 
before their eyes, from the Union lines in front. 
In spite -of all this, in spite of the uncalled-for 



192 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

nature of the rebellion, in spite of the fact that a 
considerable proportion of the citizens about to be 
outraged on the Pennsylvania line, and through the 
contiguous region, were non-combatants, in principle 
and practice, as their fathers had been before them, 
on came the ruthless invaders. If, unlike the bar- 
baric Assyrian, their cohorts were not 

" gleaming with purple and gold," 

they were like him in coming 

"as a wolf on the fold." 

Early in June, 1863, this rampant force of inva- 
ders, followed by a long train of plunder wagons, 
came sweeping down from the seat of war in Vir- 
ginia to the doomed States of Pennsylvania and Ma- 
ryland. The chief traitors in Eichmond, in conjunc- 
tion with their allies in the invading army and among 
their fellows in treason at the North, had blatantly 
given out that the invasion, this time, was to be a 
success. The free States were to be conquered ; the 
capital of the nation was to be taken and held. They 
knew the country was comparatively unprepared for 
it. They were as well aware as we could be that our 
most reliable troops were nearl}^ all employed on a 
distant and dangerous service. They numbered, 
when the invasion commenced, — they did not num- 
ber quite so many when it ended, — an effective force 



AT GETTYSBURG. 193 

of 90,000 infantry, 10,000 cavalry, over 4,000 artil- 
lery, — an aggregate of 105,000 men, of all arms. 

On the 28tli of June, hungering for plunder and 
thirsting for patriot blood, they formed their angry 
line of battle on the heights and among the passes 
around the town of Gettysburg. This now memora- 
ble place is situated on elevated ground, in the midst 
of a fertile farming countr}^ It is one hundred and 
fourteen miles west of Philadelphia, and thirty- six 
south of Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania. 
Its location gives it a peculiar importance. It stands 
like an interior gateway between the North and South. 
Its college and seminary, its churches, newspapers, 
banks, and manufacturing establishments, award it a 
controlling influence through much of the region 
where it stands. It contains a population of nearly 
5,000. 

The rapid and near approach of the rebels soon 
established the fact that this handsome and retired 
yet unfortified Pennsylvania borough was to be the 
theatre of a sanguinary fight. In the sudden emer- 
gency the most that could be done was to gather 
hastily such of the militia of the country as might 
be thrown forward to the field. This vast disparity 
between the character of the threatened attack and 

the means at hand for defence was startling to all 
17 



194 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

concerned. To the assailant it promised an early 
victory ; to the assailed a fearful defeat. It is no 
wonder that alarm sjDread on every hand among the 
borderers. Unprotected families and property de- 
manded the first care of the citizens, ere they could 
arm and prepare to march, all untried as they were, 
to meet the invaders. The only reliable hope for 
confronting and beating back the columns of Lee 
was in the Army of the Potomac ; and that army, at 
the critical juncture of the first approach of the 
enemy, was supposed to be at a comparatively great 
distance. It was not until that noble host, then in 
commaild of General Hooker, and at the time of the 
action led by General Meade, came on the ground, 
that the work of defence assumed a definite shape. 

The appearance of Meade was, to a large portion 
of the rebels, like the coming of Banquo's ghost to 
Macbeth. Lee, of course, supposed that Hooker 
would pursue him ; but he had not calculated on the 
alacrity with which our Potomac veterans flew to the 
rescue of the perilled border of the Susquehanna. 
He thought only of Fredericksburg and Chancel- 
lorsville. He had not heard, then, from Gettysburg 
or Vicksburg. As his myrmidons moved down to 
the site of the battle and began to deploy in action, 
where they expected and hoped only to meet the raw 



AT GETTYSBURG. 195 

volunteers, hurriedly brought against them, it was 
with ill-disguised astonishment they gazed on the 
dust-covered lines of veterans directly in front. 

" The Army of the Potomac !" " The Army of the 
Potomac !" passed, in gasping tones, along the rebel 
ranks. 

" Ah ! they are here !" 

That splendid army was indeed there ; and right 
bravely did it prove its presence through every day 
and hour of the succeeding battle. 

The limits of our volume, and the space necessarily 
occupied by other topics of interest to the general 
reader, will not allow us to narrate all the scenes we 
should be happy to place in these pages connected 
with this signal action. It began on the morning of 
the 1st and closed on the evening of the 3d of July — 
the salvos of its glorious victory, in chorus with those 
of Yicksburg, appropriately ushering in the natal 
day of our nation's independence. 

It is impossible, in this work, to do the justice 
they so richly deserve to all the parties who distin- 
guished themselves on this memorable field. Meade, 
Eeynolds, Sedgwick, Hancock, Slocum, Butterfield, 
Doubleday, Pleasanton, Couch, Gibbon, Graham, 
Sickles, Warren, and a host of others, are all worthy 
'^f honorable mention. The name of Eevnolds de- 



196 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

serves especial remembrance ; for it was lie who was 
first to withstand the surging horde as it swept over 
the heights ; it was he who gave the enemy his first 
decided check ; and he was the first general ofiicer 
who fell on the Union side. All honor to his memory 
— and to that of the heroes who fell around him on 
that and succeeding days, and whose patriot dust has 
been so Avell enshrined in the National Cemetery at 
Gettysburg, 

The lightnings may flash, the loud thunders rattle, 
They see nut, they hear not, they're free from all pain ; 

They sleep their last sleep, they have fought their last battle, 
No sound shall awake them to glory again. 



CHAPTER XXII. 
IN THE GETTYSBURG FIGHT. 



"A valiant man 
Ought not to undergo or tempt a danger; 
But worthily, and by selected ways, 
He undertakes by reason, not by chance." 

Jonson. 



THE position of Greneral Hancock, in command 
of the Second Army Corps, was near the centre 
of the most active part of the field of battle. His 
right was near the Emmitsbnrg road, and his left ex- 
tended toward the granite spur of Eound Top. It 
was emphatically a post of honor, for the headquar- 
ters of the commanding Greneral were immediately 
in his rear. The lines of Longstreet, under Hood, 
McLaw, Pickett, Garnett, and Anderson, were directly 
in front. Barksdale, one of the most active of the 
rebel generals, was in the advance. Cemetery Hill 
— now so appropriately occupied as the site of the 
great National Cemetery of our Union heroes — was 

17* (197) 



1U8 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

on his right flank, beyond which was the rebel corps 
of Bwell; under Early and Khodes. In the rear was 
a body of rebel cavalry/ commanded by the energetic 
Generals Wade Hampton, W. H. F. Lee, and Jen- 
kins, flanked by several batteries of the enemy. The 
brigade of "Walker — formerly Stonewall Jackson's — 
extended, as the battle advanced, close to the rear, in 
front of the Twelfth Union Corps, under Slocum, 
aided by Geary, Wadsworth, and Steinwehr. Sedg- 
wick, with the Sixth Corps, was on Hancock's imme- 
diate left wing, and Doubleday, with his splendid 
battery, on the right. 

The plan of the field, prepared by Elliott, under 
the direction of David Wills, Esq., of Gettysburg, 
by authority of Governor Cuktin, contains a minute 
and correct sketch of every position occupied by both 
the contending armies, during the whole of the three 
days. The subsequent labors of Mr. Wills, in organ- 
izing and completing the measures that have resulted 
in the establishment of the National Union Ceme- 
tery, are well worthy of the high praise that is so 
generally bestowed upon them. 

On the arrival of General Hancock the Union 
troops, composing the second division of the Eleventh 
Corps, under General Steinwehr, had been ordered 
by Major General Howard to occupy the command- 



IiV THE GETTYSBURG FIGHT. 199 

ing eminence of Cemetery Hill. At this time Han- 
cock was in command of the entire field, having been 
temporarily assigned to the post by General Meade, 
who had not then reached the lines. He at once sta- 
tioned the troops so as to be prepared for any sudden 
assault the enemy might make. It was a critical 
moment. Our men were arriving rapidly, yet worn 
down with the fatigue of long and forced marches. 
Bat their valor Avas fully equal to the emergency. 
They repulsed the attack of the rebels, and, main- 
taining their strong position, were soon reinforced by 
the arrival of the Twelfth Corps, under Slocum, and 
a part of the Third, under Sickles. 

The death of Reynolds, in the opening of the fight, 
while bravely leading on the old First Corps, check- 
ing the advance of the rested columns of the rebels 
thrown against the fatigued and smaller ranks of the 
Union, had cast a gloom over the scenes which closed 
the first day's battle. Early on the morning of the 
2d of July, the Commander-in-chief arrived on the 
ground. He was pleased to recognize and approve 
the dispositions made by Generals Hancock and How- 
ard, in the sudden emergencies of the hour. The 
positions taken by these Generals, and those of their 
associates in command, were regarded as favorable, 
and preparations were immediately made for a vigor- 



200 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

ous attack on tlie enemy. The whole Union army 
was at ■ once concentrated at Gettysburg. By seven 
o'clock in the morning of that clay, the Second Corps, 
in the immediate command of Hancock, was posted 
at the front. The distance between him and the foe, 
at this moment, was but little over a mile. 

'' The click of hammers closing rivets up," 

the clangor of trumpets, the roll of drums, the tramp 
of armed men marching and countermarching, on 
both sides, could be distinctly heard in the opposing 
camps. The pickets of Union and disunion looked 
each other in the face ; and the flags of liberty and 
slavery flapped defiance at each other. The great 
battle was at hand. 

It is but the just tribute of truth to history that 
the fact be recorded here, that the position of General 
Hancock on that memorable field, at that thrilling 
moment, was one of paramount importance. The 
arrival of the Second Corps, followed by the Fifth 
and Sixth, was most opportune. But for that arrival, 
it would seem that the day must have gone against 
us. It checked the eager advance of the enemy, 
gave our troops time for much needed rest, and ren- 
dered the numbers of the contending forces more 
nearly equal. 

At the hour of four o'clock in the afternoon of the 



IN THE GETTYSBURG FIGHT. 201 

2d of July, tlie battle was resumed, by the opening 
of the rebel batteries on our nearest lines. General 
Sickles was wounded, and his command forced back. 
At this perilous juncture Hancock, surrounded by 
his associates, came to the rescu.e. The enemy was 
in turn driven from the field, and our success ren- 
dered complete. Every desperate attempt of the 
rebels to break our lines, and, especially, to possess 
themselves of our ammunition and supply trains, was 
bravely met and nobly overcome. 

The morning of the third day broke over the field. 
At early dawn our artillery opened fire, which con- 
tinued several hours ; but near midday no movement 
whatever was made on either side. At this hour, 
following a silence more awful in such a spot than 
all the thunders of battle, the rebel batteries directed 
a deadly fire against the Corps of Hancock. Lee 
had vainly imagined this to be his most favored point 
of attack. Dashing from behind the woods of Ceme- 
tery Eidge, the flower of that part of the enemy's 
force swept onward to the very muzzles of Hancock's 
guns. His well-tried Corps, aided by Doubleday and 
Stannard, met the shock with all their wonted cool- 
ness and courage, and hurled the foe back in con- 
fusion. 

It was- at this moment the scene occurred of which 



202 WIKFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

our artist has given tlie reader the graphic illustra- 
tion that accompanies these pages. The Thirteenth 
Yermont regiment, Colonel Eandall, was in a position 
to render assistance to one of our endangered batte- 
ries. General Doubleday, riding rapidly up, drew 
off a portion of the command. They quickly obeyed 
his summons, and rendered such support to the ar- 
tillery that the guns were not only saved but enabled 
to continue to supply effective service. The remain- 
der of the regiment was in line of battle, ready for 
action, at a moment's warning, when a rebel battery 
opened in a new and powerful position, doing us con- 
siderable damage. 

General Hancock, perceiving the crisis at a glance, 
galloped to the Yermonters, through repeated showers 
,of shot and shell from the enemy, and saluting and 
addressing Eandall, as he pointed with his sword to 
the rebels and their guns, enquired; 
" Colonel ! can you take that battery ?" 
The Colonel lifted his cap, returning the salute, 
and quickly replied : 
" I can, General !" 

In a moment more came the Colonel's order: 
" Thirteenth Yermont ! Forward ! Double-quick !" 
The Green Mountaineers wheeled at the word, and, 
with fixed bavonets, rushed on the batteries of tlie 



m THE GETTYSBURG FIGHT. 203 

enemy. Colonel Eandall, a gentleman somewhat 
advanced in years, kept his cap waving in his hand, 
his few remaining locks streaming in the wind, 
as he rushed in front, cheering, at the top of his 
voice : 

" Forward ! men ! forward !" 

Hancock was near them as they dashed on to within 
firing distance of the battery, and poured among the 
rebels ten volleys from their well-aimed rifles. 

" Charge !" cried Eandall, his tones clear and strong 
above the roar of the rebel cannon : 

" Come on, boys ! Now or never !" 

Instantly the men sprang toward the gunners, 
every bayonet fixed, and doing its work. They 
rushed over the belching mouths of the guns, leaped 
along the caissons, and, with a mountain shout, drove 
the rebels from the hill, and brought off every piece 
to the Union rear. 

This gallant deed was scarcely achieved, ere Grene- 
ral Hancock rode along the lines again, and enquired : 

"What regiment is this?" 

"The Thirteenth Vermont, sir," answered Colonel 
Randall, still holding his cap in his hand. 

"You have done yourselves great honor," con- 
tinued Hancock. " The whole army will render you 
thanks." 



204 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

It was not long after this brilliant acliievement 
that the General was wounded. He was laid bleed- 
ing on the grasS; surrounded by anxious groups of 
officers and men. The breastworks of the enemy 
were but a short distance o% and the battle w^as still 
raging. 

"Shall we not carry you to the rear, General?" 
enquired Colonel Vesey, who was near him. 

" ISTO; I thank you, Colonel," said Hancock, waving 
his hand gracefully, in the midst of his pain, calmly 
adding : 

" Attend to your commands, gentlemen ; I wall 
take care of myself." 

In connection with a preceding charge on Han- 
cock's Corps occurred the death of the rebel General 
Barksdale. Our forces had been pushed forward to 
meet the enemy, Avho were dashing furiously on our 
lines. After the rebels had been repulsed, some cap- 
tured prisoners informed Colonel Yesey, then in com- 
mand of the captorS; that their General had fallen, 
and was lying in front, on the ground. The Colonel 
immediately advanced his line of skirmishers until 
they came to the place designated. There they found 
the rebel General, stretched on the grass, weltering 
in his blood and writhing in agony. They raised 
him up carefully and carried him to the rear of our 



IN THE GETTYSBURG FIGHT. 205 

lines. He was speechless; and died about two hours 
after. 

By the afternoon of Friday, July 3d, the storm of 
the battle had ended. The retreat of the enemy be- 
gan immediately after his discomfiture. He literally 
stood not upon the order of going, but went — and 
that so rapidly, that he left nearly eight thousand 
prisoners, and sick and wounded, in our hands. The 
aggregate loss of Lee was thirty-seven thousand men 
— among whom were seven Generals killed in the 
battle, and six wounded. He lost in prisoners, in- 
cluding the wounded, thirteen thousand six hundred 
and twenty-one. Of trophies there were three guns, 
forty-one colors, and of small arms twenty -four thou- 
sand nine hundred and seventy eight. 

Such was the battle of Gettysburg. Of the part 
taken in it, from its beginning to its close, by General 
Hancock, his friends may well cherish a grateful re- 
membrance. The influence of this victory over the 
invaders of his native State will always be felt, and 
the gallant deeds of her son be cherished, not only 
through Pennsylvania, but in all the land. 

During the severest part of the third day's battle, 

there was a period when the troops in command of 

General Birney were in imminent peril. A large 

force of the enemy, sweeping furiously down from 

18 



206 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

the contiguous hills, had nearly environed him in 
their deadly embrace. General Hancock, perceiving 
the danger from his centre, placed himself at the 
head of a picked division, and dashed rapidly for- 
ward to the scene. His gallant approach was noticed 
by all; and those who were nearest to him among the 
participants in the sanguinary struggle, felt sure 
that some important and brilliant movement was in 
hand. 

Approaching the disordered lines, he bowed po- 
litely to the commander, and said : 

" General Birney ! you are nearly surrounded by 
the enemy." 

"I know it, General Hancock," replied Birney; 
" I am doing my best against a superior force." 

"I have brought you these reinforcements," con- 
tinued Hancock, waving his hand toward the rapidly 
coming troops. 

" You will place them, at your discretion. General 
Birney; and I will hold you responsible for their 
lives. General Willard, in immediate command, will 
fight the men." 

The balls of the infuriate enemy, who had been 
bitterly disappointed at the reception given him by 
the lines of Hancock, were flying through the air 



IN TEE GETTYSBURG FIGHT. 207 

like a driving storm of hail. General Hancock coolly 
maintained his seat on horseback, and watched, for a 
few momentS; the dispositions made of the reinforce- 
ments he had so opportun^y brought. 

Bowing gracefully to the parting salute of the 
Generals and others in command, he turned the head 
of his horse toward another part of the hotly-con- 
tested field. At that moment a ball passed n.ear him, 
and struck directly in the forehead of General Wil- 
lard, who fell dead at his feet. The look of Hancock 
at that thrilling instant is indescribable. He gazed si- 
lently on his fallen and gallant companion in arms, and 
then glanced his searching eye to note its effects on the 
men. Every man was at his post, fighting bravely 
still, as the new commander stepped forward to the 
vacant place. Again he waved his hand as a signal 
of adieu to the heroic troops who were standing up 
so bravely for the old flag, and dashed onward to- 
ward the next post of duty and danger. As the two 
Generals, Hancock and Birney, rode rapidly along, 
reviewing the lines, giving orders and words of en- 
couragement, the brave fellows who lay wounded in 
their path would raise themselves up from the crim- 
soned grass, and answer with cheers : 

" General ! we're driving them ! Hurra !" 



208 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

Regardless of their own sufferings, they rejoiced 
thus in the triumph of our country, some of them 
amid the very agonies of death. 

" It was more than we^ could bear," said General 
Birney, relating the scene, as he remembered how his 
own tears, and those of the dashing Hancock, fell 
among those dying heroes. 

"What gem hath dropped and sparkles o'er his chain? 
The tear most sacred shed for others' pain; 
That starts at once, bright, pure, from pity's mine, 
Already polished by the hand divine." 

It is no wonder to us, when we become familiar 
with such incidents as these in the career of General 
Hancock, that he should be so dear to the hearts of 
his men. When the roar of battle was the loudest, 
he Avas sure to be present, if in his power to be. 
Where his gallant soldiers fell the fastest, he was 
always certain to be near. The humblest man in the 
ranks never passed unnoticed. His manly, command- 
ing presence acted like a charm wherever seen, and 
his well-chosen words passed like an electric force 
from rank to rank. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 
HIS PUBLIC TESTIMONIALS. 

" His martial fortunes 

Made him a debtor for some courtesies, 
Which bind the good more firmly." 

B)fron. 

THE brief sojourn of General Hancock with his 
parents, in Norristown, during a part of the 
summer of 1863, was as agreeable as the state of his 
severe wound would permit. On his reaching home 
from the battle-field of Gettysburg, the citizens 
flocked around to pay him their respects. His posi- 
tion in the railway car, where he was placed at length 
on a stretcher laid over the backs of the seats, drew 
to his side many sympathizing friends, who united 
to testify their warm admiration of his character. 
Arrived at the station, in Norristown, he was met by 
a detachment of the Invalid Guards, who tenderly 
placed him on their shoulders, and bore him through 
the streets. The inhabitants along the route, as may 
well be supposed, were deeply moved at the sight. 

18* (209) 



210 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

Not knowing the extent of his wounds, and seeing 
him thus prostrate in the hands of soldiers, marching 
with a steady step on the side-walks, they watched the 
scene with peculiar interest. The boy of other days 
had now come -as a Major General of the Army of the 
United States, bearing on his. person a wound that 
attested the love he bore his native land. The door- 
ways and windows of the silent route were crowded 
with anxious faces, down some of which coursed the 
tears of sympathy. 

What a change to Winfield from the days of his 
youth ! How thickly the thoughts of boyhood, of 
school, of playmates and familiar scenes, crowded the 
mind of the gallant soldier ! With what tender wel- 
comes he was greeted at the threshold of the family 
mansion, and with what affectionate care he was 
borne to his quarters under the parental roof! Gren- 
tle assiduities, found only within the hallowed pre- 
cincts of home, smoothed his couch of pain, and 
ministered to him there. Here let us draw the cur- 
tain, and leave him to repose. 

His recovery was gradual, but sure. In a short 
time his active energies were again at work. His 
mind soon reverted from that sick-room, from his 
own physical sufferings, to the condition of his coun- 
try, and his duties in the service. As he gained in 



mS PUBLIC TESTIMONIALS. 211 

strength, his fellow-citizens waited upon him, as op- 
portunity offered, and testimonials of personal friend- 
ship were added to those of a public character. His 
fellow townsmen took immediate steps to testify their 
appreciation of his signal services. At the instiga- 
tion of several of his youthful companions, and 
others, under the direction, principally, of B. C. 
Chain, Esq., a service of gold and silver plate was 
prepared, and subsequently presented to him. The 
set consists of nine pieces, elegantly embossed, and 
bears the following inscription : 

TO 

MAJOR GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK. 

FROM 
CITIZENS OF HIS BIRTH-PLACE, 

NORRISTOWN, 

JIONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 

July 4fh, 

1864. 

Crowning the inscription on each piece is the badge 
of the Second Corps — the Trefoil, or three-leaved clo- 
ver — a peculiar plant, called by some the 'none-such,' 
indicative of rare honor, and a choice ornament in 
the architecture of the temple of fame. 

The cost of this beautiful and appropriate testimo- 
nial was sixteen hundred dollars. Its value to the 



212 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

recipient cannot be computed in silver or gold. It 
was a pleasant reminder to him of the days spent as 
a boy in ISTorristown, and a proof, more precious than 
jewels, that his playmates had not forgotten them, 
nor the manly part he took in their youthful scenes. 
They had ever regarded him as a leader among them ; 
and this valuable memorial was a renewed assurance 
that they now held him worthy to be a commander 
in the patriot army of the nation. 

The moment the state of his health would permit, 
he resumed his labors for his country. He had a 
good right to feel that the wound he bore was an 
honorable one ; that he had won it bravely in a noble 
cause. Every view taken of the part he bore in the 
battle that caused it, abundantly confirms this state- 
ment. 

In reviewing the field of Gettysburg, the country- 
men of Hancock must ever be impressed with the 
great value of his services on that occasion. On the 
fall of the lamented Eeynolds, Hancock had pro- 
ceeded at once to Gettysburg, and assumed command 
of the three Army Corps then in that vicinity — the 
First, Third and Eleventh. It had been contemplated 
to give the enemy battle at a place called Pipe creek ; 
but, on arriving on the ground, Hancock was con- 
vinced that Gettysburg was a much better place for 



ms PUBLIC TESTUIONIALS. 213 

an engagement. The disposition of the whole army- 
was made at that point, therefore, by his immediate 
direction. When he reached the field of action, at 
two o'clock, in the afternoon of the first day, every- 
thing was in confusion. Our troops were prema- 
turely retreating in all directions. He immediately 
put forth his utmost exertions; and, being well 
seconded by his staff, succeeded in restoring order, 
and posted the troops at those advantageous points 
w^hich they continued to occupy during the fight, and 
at which they won the victory. Their positions near 
the Cemetery, connecting the lines with Gulp's Hills 
and along the commanding ridges, to the base of 
Eound Top, were the strongest that could be assumed 
by our side ; and all of them were made by order of 
General Hancock. It was on this line that the crown- 
ing battle of Gettysburg was fought and won. 

The reports of these positions were made in full 
detail by Hancock to General Meade, when he came 
on the ground. Kot one of them was materially 
changed, all through the succeeding battles. Their 
great advantages were at once admitted, and the suc- 
cess which attended them is a conclusive proof of the 
military skill of Hancock. 

His subsequent part in the action of the left centre 
is well known to all. The repulse of the fierce 



214 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

assault at that point was the key note of the day. 
Yictorioiis there, against the most desperate onslaughts 
of the picked legions of Lee, he was prompt to send, 
unasked, the support that was needed in other direc- 
tions. It was while engaged in a splendid repulse 
of the enemy, aiding the weakened columns of the 
right wing against the rebel main attack, that he fell 
seriously wounded. From this spot he was borne 
from the field, when the victory was pronounced com- 
plete, to his Norristown home. 

The wound was of such a nature as to compel him 
to employ an amanuensis, whom he directed to write 
to his family and parents. Under the kind care he 
received he recovered sufiiciently to leave Norristown 
for West Point. How natural the transition ! On his 
way thither, stopping at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, in 
New York, he writes home, under date of September 
15, 1863, requesting that certain military documents 
should be arranged and forwarded, in order that he 
might hasten his return to the field. 

The receptions that' had greeted him in his native 
county, in Philadelphia, and other places, were fol- 
lowed up in the Metropolitan City. Public atten- 
tions welcomed him, on every side. We can well 
understand how cordial must have been his greeting 
at old West Point. What a contrast was there between 



HIS PUBLIC TESTIMONIALS. 215 

his former and present sojourns in that national mili- 
tary school ! His fellow cadets were all gone ; some 
of the professors had followed them ; but the scenes 
of other days came freshly back upon him, and he 
lived again in the haunts and studies of the past. 

As soon as possible he reached his wife and chil- 
dren at ' Longwood/ near St. Louis, Missouri. Writing 
to his father from that city, under date of October 
12th, '63, he says : 

" I threw aside my crutches a few days after my arrival, and now 
walk with a cane. I am improving, but do not yet walk without a 
little 'roll.' My wound is still unhealed, though the doctors say it 
is closing rapidly. I find some uneasiness in sitting long on a chair, 
and cannot yet ride. The bone appears to be injured, and may give 
me trouble for a long time. I hope, however, I may be well enough 
in two weeks to join my Corps. 

I am busy in trimming up the forest trees in the lawn of ' Long- 
wood,' which covers nearly eleven acres. I know it is not the best 
time ; but still it will do. 

Alice and the children send their best love to you and mother. 

Please give my best love to mother, and I remain, as ever, 

Your aflfectionate Son, 

WiNFiELD S. Hancock." 
"ToB. F. Hancock, Esq., 

Norristown, Pa." 

Every true parent in the land must prize such 
epistolary expressions as these from such a man as 
General Hancock. They show him as he really is. 



216 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

Every youth, too, should learn a lesson from them, 
never to be forgotten. 

The people of St. Louis united with their fellow- 
citizens elsewhere to do him honor. We shall speak 
in another part of this volume of the tribute they 
paid to his valor as a soldier and his worth as a man, 
in the elegant sword presented to him as a public tes- 
timonial from the Western Sanitary Fair in that city. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 
ORDERED TO WASHINGTON. 

"Honor and shame from no condition rise; 
Act well your part — there all the honor lies." 

Pope. 

ON the 15tli of December, 1863, Hancock was 
again ordered to Washington. His Gettysburg 
wound was not yet healed, but he obeyed the order 
with alacrity, and immediately reported himself for 
duty at the War Department. 

It was during this period that he was talked of in 
influential circles for the command of the Army of 
the Potomac. There is no impropriety in stating 
that it was at one time seriously contemplated to 
place him in this position. He, however, did not 
seek it ; neither did his friends seek it for him. On 
the contrary, he disclaimed all such desire ; and the 
most active of his immediate counsellors were stren- 
uous in their efforts to dissuade him from accepting 
the command. On all becoming occasions he ex- 
pressed the opinion that General Meade was the man 

10 • (217) 



218 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

for tlie post ; and that if he were continued in ac^ve 
command and properly supported by the authorities 
and the country, he would win great victories. Pass- 
ing results have shown the wisdom as well as mag- 
nanimity of General Hancock in this matter. He 
well knew by experience the obstacles in the way to 
success with that army, at that peculiar juncture; 
and, therefore, as we have said, he did not seek the 
appointment; neither did he desire his friends to seek 
it for him. There is good reason for stating, how- 
ever, that if General Meade had made a request to 
be relieved, General Hancock would have relieved 
him. 

He was soon detailed to the responsible work of 
increasing the ranks of the army, by his personal 
presence and exertions. Authority was given him 
to augment his Corps to fifty thousand effective men. 
His headquarters were established at Harrisburg, the 
capital of his native State, and he immediately pro- 
ceeded to the work among his fellow Pennsylvanians. 
His language and measures on the occasion were well 
chosen, and to the point, his object being to recruit 
in all the States represented in the Second Corps. 

Addressing the people of Pennsylvania, from his 
headquarters, at Harrisburg, under date of January, 
15, 1864, he says: 



RECRUITING. 219 

*'I have come among you as a Pennsylvanian, for the purpose «f 
endeavoring to aid you in stimulating enlistments. This is a matter 
of interest to all the citizens of the State. I earnestly call upon 
you all to assit<t, by the exertion of all the influence in your povrer, 
in this important matter. 

To adequately reinforce our armies in the field is to insure that 
the war will not reach your homes. It will be the means of bring- 
ing it to a speedy and happy conclusion. It will save the lives of 
many of our brave soldiers, who would otherwise be lost by the 
prolongation of the war, and in indecisive battles. 

It is only necessary to destroy the rebel armies now in the field, 
to insure a speedy and permanent peace. Let us all act with that 
fact in view. 

Let it not be said that Pennsylvania, which has already given so 
many of her sons to this righteous cause, shall now, at the eleventh 
hour, be behind her sister States in furnishing her quota of the men 
deemed necessary to end this rebellion. Let it not be that those 
Pennsylvania regiments, now so depleted, that have won for them- 
selves so much honor in the field, shall pass out of existence, for want 
of patriotism in the people. 

WiNFiELD S. Hancock, 

Major General U. S. Volunteers." 

His success in recruiting was equal to the expecta- 
tions formed. Subsequent events have well attested 
the efficiency of his measures. Facilities for carrying 
out his patriotic design were ofiered him in the cities 
of New York, Albany, Boston, and other places. 

At Philadelphia, in the ensuing month of February, 
public demonstrations of respect awaited him. The 
city government passed a series of resolutions, intro- 
duced by one of his former playmates at Norristown, 
then a member of the Councils, John W. Everman, 
Esq., of which we here present a copy : 



220 WINFIELB, THE LAWYER'S SON. 



Select anil <?i:ommon CTouncils ) 

of the \ 

City of Philadelphia. ^ 

WELCOME 

TO 

MAJOR GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK. 

Resolved, By the Select and Common Councils 

OF the 

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, 

That the THANKS of the Citizens of Philadelphia are eminently 

due and are hereby tendered to 

MAJOR GENERAL HANCOCK, 

for his brilliant services in the cause of the UNION, during the 
present unholy Rebellion against the authority of the Gov- 
ernment AND People of the United States. 
Resolved, That the use of JJiitrepentrence ?i^all be granted to Major 
General Hancock, for the reception of his friends ; and in 
order to afford the Citizens of Philadelphia an opportunity to 
testify their personal regard for him, and their appreciation 
of his gallantry and patriotism. 
Resolved, That the Mayor of Philadelphia and the Presidents 
of Councils be requested to carry these resolutions into effect; 
and that the Clerks of Councils be requested to furnish a 
copy of the same to General Hancock. 

Alex'r J. Harper, 
[City Seal.] President of the Common Council. 

James Lynd, 
President of the Select Council. 
Attest: Wm. F. Small, 

Clerk of Common Council. 

Approved February 18th, 1864. 

Alex. Henry, Mayor. 



mS PUBLIC RECEPTIONS. 221 

The reception of the General and his friends fol- 
lowed soon after, in Independence Hall. The papers 
of the day describe the scene as one of the most im- 
posing that ever occurred within the walls of the 
sacred old Temple of American Liberty. 

On the ensuing 22d of February, the anniversary 
of the birth-day of Washington, General Hancock 
reviewed the volunteer troops of Philadelphia and 
vicinity. The parade passed off in the most spirited 
manner. The appearance of the General on the field, 
surrounded by a brilliant staff, passing along the line 
with the troops arranged as if in battle array, was 
full of excitement, and called forth the loud plaudits 
of the immense throng of citizens who witnessed the 
display. Some idea of his presence in action could 
be formed by the gallant bearing of the General on 
this popular occasion. 

At the close of the review an incident of a per- 
sonal character occurred, which we narrate here, as 
in keeping with the man and the scope of our book. 

The General had dismounted, at the close of the 
day, and was about passing up the steps of the La 
Pierre House, surrounded by the officers who escorted 
him, when his eye caught that of one of his teachers 
in Norristown, Mr. E. EobeetS, who was standing, 

with his daughter, near the entrance to the hotel. 
:^9* 



222 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

The General paused, and extending his hand to the 
two friends of his early years, expressed his pleasure 
at meeting them, and introduced them to the gentle- 
men present. It was a singular but agreeable meet- 
ing between the old teacher and the now distinguished 
scholar. 

'' Call and see me at the hotel, Mr. Eoberts, when 
I am more at leisure," said the General. "When I 
am a little stronger from the effects of my wound, I 
will return the call." 

At the appointed time, the teacher and scholar met 
again. As Mr. Eoberts entered the private room of 
the General, at the La Pierre, he was lying on his 
couch, suffering from the fatigue to which the review 
of the previous day had subjected his wounded limb. 
But he rose at once to pay the respect due from a 
good scholar to a good teacher. 

"Do not rise, General Hancock," said Mr. Eoberts; 
" I feel, sir, that you are laying me under too much 
obligation by doing so." 

"No, Mr. Eoberts," the General replied, "I shall 
always feel, sir, that I am under obligations to you." 

" It is sufficient honor for me. General, to have had 
you for a scholar." 

" No, sir. I feel that my teachers have all honored 
me. Beside, sir, you are much the older man of the 



mS PUBLIC RECEPTIONS. 223 

two ; and my parents always tanght me to reverence 
grey hairs." 

" I did not have grey hairs when you first knew 
me, General." 

" True, sir. Our mutual obligations were formed 
when we were both younger than now. But I can- 
not omit to use my anatomy now, even if it is im- 
paired. Let me be ever so old, I can never forget 
my school-teachers. I feel that my experience in life 
has proved this to be true : as is the teacher, so is the 
school-boy ; as is the school-boy, so is the man." 

Other parties calling in, this interesting interview 
was closed. But not long after the Greneral took his 
son Kussell with him, and called on his old teacher. 

"This gentleman, my son," said the General, "is 
one of the teachers of your father, when, like you, 
he was a boy. Eemember always to respect the 
teacher of your youth ; and, should you live to be- 
come a man, you will never regret it." 

It is this spirit of the man that stamps the name 
of Hancock with peculiar honor. He was always 
the same among his soldiers. An officer of the staff 
of another distinguished General, in alluding to this 
attribute of Hancock's character, says of him : 

" The attachment that he manifests for his brave 
soldiers is remarkable. While he despises a coward, 



224 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

if the humblest man in tlie ranks should be the first 
to enter Eichmond, as a conqueror, General Hancock 
would be among the first to do him honor." 

Passing from Philadelphia to New York, he was 
received in the latter city with much distinction. The 
Governor's Eoom, in the City Hall, was placed at his 
disposal, for the reception of his friends, and every 
measure adopted that could be to aid him in procur- 
ing recruits for his Corps. A large number of his 
troops were from the Empire State. They were so 
much attached to his person, and their acquaintances 
at home so participated in the feeling of attachment, 
that when he presented himself to the people he was 
claimed by them as a New Yorker. This impression 
became so common, for a time, that one of the publish- 
ers of that city announced a volume on his life, as a 
New York General. 

Passing to Albany, the capital of the State of New 
York, the Legislature paid him an oflB.cial tribute 
of respect for his distinguished services to the 
country. 

The same honors were bestowed upon him in Bos- 
ton, the capital of Massachusetts, where the General 
Court invited him to their Representative Chamber, 
and where the merchants and other citizens waited 
upon him at the City Exchange. His agreeable man- 



HIS PUBLIC RECEPTIONS. 



295 



ners, added to his well-known courage and skill in 
battle, created the most favorable impressions wher- 
ever he went on his tour of duty through New Eno-. 
land. Patriotic applause greeted him at every point, 
and a considerable number of fighting recruits flocked 
to his standard. 



CHAPTER XXV 

in THE CAMPAIGN WITH GRANT. 

"Great actions are the legitimate result of great designs." — La 
Roiichefoiicauld. 

ON the 18tli of March, 1864:, the General, while 
still actively engaged in recruiting his Corps, 
writes to his father from Harrisbnrg, Pennsylvania : 

*' I have just received an order from the Secretary of War, to re- 
port without delay to him for instructions, prior to rejoining my 
command in the field. I have but time to notify you of the fact." 

Such was the modest announcement of his entrance 
on that great campaign with Lieutenant General 
Grant, in which he has borne his part with so much 
propriety. 

His position at the head of the Second Army Corps 
was one in which he felt at home. He knew the 
men,' and they knew him. A large proportion of 
them were citizens of his native Pennsylvania, and 
had enlisted in the service of the United States under 
him as their commander. His presence among them 

(22G) 



IN THE CAMPAIGN WITH GRANT. 227 

always excited entliusiasm, and his fearless exposures 
of his person inspired them to deeds of valor. As 
a leader he resembled Murat ; but, while he had all 
the dash and brilliancy; he displayed the attributes of 
a true patriot enlisted in a far better cause than that 
of any Marshal of France. His convictions of the 
justice of the war for the American Union were firm 
and resolute. It was, therefore, with the ardor be- 
coming the great occasion before him, an occasion 
on which he felt was staked the very life of the Ee- 
public, that he proceeded to the front and resumed 
his command. 

The army marched from Culpepper Court House, 
Virginia, on the 3d of May, Hancock leading the 
advance. This post of honor was eminently his due. 
In all the previous battles in which he was engaged 
he had won it by merit on the field. At the sanguin- 
ary fight at Fredericksburg, he had proved how wor- 
thy he was to occupy it by the skill with which he 
fought his men. On that occasion, out of five thou- 
sand under his command, two thousand fell around 
him, killed or wounded, including over one hundred 
and fifty commissioned officers. He was much ex- 
posed on the field, and had three of his Aids wounde(^ 
by his side. When the report came in from a flag 
of truce sent to the enemy to make arrangements for 



228 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

the burial of our deacl^ it was found tliat tlie men 
nearest tlae rebel works, far in advance of the Union 
lines, were largely composed of the division of Han- 
cock. No other troops but his, and those of Kim- 
ball's brigade, had ventured so close to the face of 
the foe. 

It was- immediately after these signal services, as 
a leader of the advance, that he was nominated by 
General Buknside as Major General of Volunteers. 
His appointment to that rank dates from November 
29th, 1862. 

In the battle of Chancellorsville, where our whole 
army was so exposed to the hidden and furious on- 
slaughts of the rebels, he occupied the advance of 
the extreme left wing. Through all the savage as- 
saults made upon him he held his position firmly, 
and handled his command with such judgment and 
energy, as to elicit the admiration of all who Avit- 
nessed his movements. 

His position at Antietam and Gettysburg was pre- 
cisely the same — in the advance. At th« latter place 
his line of battle was thrown forward for a mile and 
a half in the immediate front of a large body of the 
centre of the enemy, composed of their best troops. 
It was on this position of Hancock that Lee opened 
his principal fire from his batteries of one hundred 



IN THE CAMPAIGN WITH GRANT. 229 

and fifty guns. The whole of the left and of the 
left centre withstood this tremendous cannonading 
with unflinching valor, with Hancock at their head. 
It was toward the close of this assault, that he, and 
General Gibbon, temporarily commanding the Second 
Corps, received their severe wounds. 

It is not surprising, in view of such facts as these 
and others like them in the history of General Han- 
cock, that he should be assigned to an active position 
at the front by so justly distinguished a man as Lieu- 
tenant General Grant. Neither is it to be wondered 
at that he should have filled his post so well in the 
last campaign for the conquest of Richmond. 

His first battle under Grant was that fought in the 
Wilderness. This action took place on the 5th of 
May. The scenes connected with it are among the 
most exciting of any in military history. 

Our troops had gone forward to the fight with an 
ardor that was truly irrepressible. 

"Hark! I hear the tramp of thousands, 
And of armed men the hum : 
Lo ! a nation's hosts have gathered 
Round the quick alarming drum. 
Saying, ' Come, 
Freemen, come, 
Ere your heritage be wasted !' 

Said the quick alarming drum." 

The scene of war was reached in a few hours' rapid 
20 



280 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

marching. The battle began on the 5th of May. On 
placing his troops in the field, Hancock found a strong 
force of the enemy massed against him. He im- 
mediately commenced the attack. 

The spirits of the men were worthy at that mo- 
mentous hour of their cause and their commander. 
The country around has been already described as 
among the wildest parts of one of the wastes of Vir- 
ginia. Its surface is thickly dotted with densely 
wooded hills, inters^Dersed with marshy lowlands, and 
sandy desert plains. It was settled as long ago as 
1675, the county bearing the name of Old Stafford, 
in England. It is separated from the adjoining State 
of Maryland by the Potomac river, and supplied 
mainly by the Eappahannock. 

Into this well-named Wilderness Hancock marched 
his patriot men, and pitched battle against the ene- 
mies of our country. At the first attack the traitors 
fell back ; but, adopting their familiar Napoleonic 
tactics, they soon after massed their forces, and made 
a combined furious attempt to break our main centre, 
directly between the Second Corps, under Hancock, 
and the Fifth, under Warren. It was all in vain. 
They were hurled back in confusion. 

On the following Thursday the battle was resumed 
with new vigor. Hancock occupied the extreme left 



IN THE WILDERNESS. 231 

wing, with a cavalry support resting on a point be- 
tween Parker's Store and Shady Grove Church. 

The attack was commenced by the rebels on Fri- 
day morning, Longstreet striking with all his might 
at Hancock. They had fought together, before, in 
Mexico. The Second Corps bore their brunt of the 
battle with all their wonted steadiness. The General 
was at every post where his presence was needed, 
cheering on his men, standing, at times, like a pri- 
vate in the ranks, and aiding to hurl back the surg- 
ing columns of the foe thrown so furiously against 
him. Every inch of the desperate assault was con- 
tested along the whole line, and, by a wise combi- 
nation of forces, the order of battle was maintained, 
and the enemy repulsed, with great slaughter. 

The part taken by the Corps of Hancock is well 
attested by the number of its slain and wounded, in 
officers and men. Among the former were General 
Hays, commander of the Second Brigade, Third 
Division, who fell mortally wounded on that bloody 
field of glory ; and Getty, Gregg, Owen, Bartlett, and 
Carroll, were wounded. While in the act of rallying 
his men, in the front of the battle, Hancock was 
again wounded, but maintained his position on the 
field. The enemy rushed upon him in solid masses, 
line sweeping on behind line. Some portions of the 



232 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

ground on his front were fought over four or five 
times in succession. 

The arrival of reinforcements, under Burnside, 
Avith the Ninth Corps, was most opportune. His ap- 
pearance was loudly cheered by the brave men who 
had so nobly met and overcome the enemy. His 
colored troops rendered effective service in guarding 
exposed points, while the great body of his men par- 
ticipated with signal success in the severe battle of 
Friday. 

Our cavalry, under Custer, Gregg, Merritt, Davis, 
and others equally deserving of mention if their 
names were at command, pursued the retreating 
columns of Lee. The battle became general toward 
the close of Saturday, in which we held our own 
against considerable odds, and, at certain points, con- 
tinued to drive the enemy. 

Hancock pushed forward his advance. On the 
ensuing Sunday he reached Al sop's farm, where a 
severe engagement ensued. In the evening, as the 
result of this battle. Grant advanced his entire lines 
— Hancock on the right. The forward movement 
brought us into a position for the employment of our 
guns, and on Monday ensued that sharp artillery con- 
flict in which the brave and accomplished Sedgwick 



IN THE WILDERNESS. 233 

fell in his ramparts, wliile personally engaged in the 
location of his cannon. 

The ensuing Tuesday, May 10th, witnessed a ter- 
rific battle. Our troops were still advancing, driving 
the rebels before them, turning their flanks at every 
point, and convincing them, if they needed any con- 
victions on that subject, that one patriot was at least 
equal to one traitor. The old and idle boast that the 
rebels could whip us, at the rate of one man to our 
four, faded away in those sanguinary fields of Vir- 
ginia, like the dissolving views of an illusory pic- 
ture. Never was a man more taken by surprise than 
Lee. He found to his severe cost that 

" The best laid schemes o' mice and men 
Gang aft a-gUy." 

He schemed for the massing of his legions on our 
weak points; hoping, with his infuriate charges, to 
break our lines, and sweep everything before him. 
But he found Grant fully prepared for him, on all 
hands. That brave General and consummate strate 
gist was ready to meet mass with mass, strategy with 
strategy, battle with battle, until, outflanked and out- 
generalled, the wily Lee was forced sullenly to 
retreat. 

Hancock, on the extreme right wing, was in exactly 
the position to guard against every cunning device 



234 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

of the eneraj^; and, by his coohiess, watchfulness and 
courage; to prevent every attack on the flank that 
Lee might attempt. This was one of the favorite 
movements of the rebel invader of unprotected States, 
the chivalrous raider on the peaceful dwellings, stores, 
barns, hen-roosts and fields of non-resistant border- 
ers. He met this valiant chevalier of plunder in 
several hard -fought battles at these points, and, in 
every instance, had the pleasure to join with his com- 
patriots, Warren and Burnside, in compelling the 
boastful traitor to fall back still further to the rear. 

On Thursday, the 12th of May, he made that splen- 
did dash, which resulted in the capture of an entire 
division of the enemy, four thousand strong, two 
rebel Major Grenerals, a large number of colors, and 
thirty cannon. 

It was on this occasion that a personal interview 
took place between Hancock and the rebel Major 
Generals George H. Stuart and Ed. Johnson, in the 
tent of the conqueror. The gentlemen had known 
each other in former years. They had been cadets 
together at West Point, and fellow officers in the 
Army of the United States. 

As the rebel prisoner- Generals entered the tent of 
Hancock, the following dialogue ensued : 



INTERVIEW WITH REBEL GENERALS. 235 

Hancock. — " All ! Johnson ! Is it yon ? Let ns 
shake hands." 

Johnson. — " Hancock ! this is dreadful." Accept- 
ing the hand so courteously proffered him, he burst 
into tears, and added : 

" I should have much preferred death to captivity." 

Hancock. — " I sympathize with you, Johnson ; but 
such, you know, is sometimes the fortune of war. 
You have fought well, and have no reason to feel 
personally disgraced. It might have been my lot to 
be your prisoner." 

Johnson. — " I know that ; but to be taken in such 
a wholesale manner is hard to bear. It is rough." 

Hancock. — " You know you will be treated like a 
gentleman, Johnson ; and held under the laws of war, 
with which you are familiar." 

During this conversation Stuart was moving nerv- 
ously around, his countenance the picture of dejection 
and chagrin. 

Hancock, who had sought to speak with him be- 
fore, now approached him, with his hand extended. 

Hancock. — " How are you, Stuart ?" 

Stuart. — " I am General Stuart, sir ! of the Army 
of the Confederate States." 

Hancock. — " I am well aware of that, General ; but 



236 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

I think I can venture to address you as an acquaint- 
ance of other days." 

Stuart. — "Under present circumstances, sir, I de- 
cline to take your hand." 

Hancock. — O ! very well, sir ! you can suit yourself 
in that matter ; and, as my prisoner, you will certainly 
suit me. 

Under any other circumstances, sir, I should not 
have offered you my hand !" 

The chop-fallen look of Stuart at this instant can 
be better imagined than described. Whatever his 
feelings may have been under the courteous rebuke, 
all who witnessed it felt that Hancock was as cutting 
with the edge of his satire as he is with that of his 
victorious sword. He had beaten his prisoner with 
valor in the field, and he now conquered him again 
with gentlemanly bearing. 

It was with an increased relish for his patriotic 
duties in the field that, after this interview, Hancock 
resumed his position in the ensuing fight. All day 
Thursday, and from sundown until near daylight of 
Friday morning, he was in action. He shared in the 
contest for a long line of rebel rifle-pits, in front, 
which he had the satisfaction of seeing wrested from 
the hands of the enemy. 

The signal victories won in the Wilderness are 



IN CONCERT WITH THE CAVALRY. 237 

largely attributable to the cavalry arm of the service. 
AltlioiTgli an infantry officer by position, Hancock 
had repeatedly tested, in the vigorous practice at West 
Point, and in several of the fields of action in which 
he had engaged, the efficiency of this arm, especially 
in great strategic movements. He was much indebted 
to it for his commanding positions at the front. B}^ 
their rapid evolutions in the face of the enemy, by 
dashing along by-paths and through forests and jun- 
gles, not accessible to infantry or artillery, they pre- 
pared the way for those steady advances and vigorous 
assaults that have rendered the Union armies so famous 
in the annals of American military history. 

Nor this alone. Our cavalry have not only con- 
tributed largely to every success, by concerted action, 
but they have made numerous independent move- 
ments — especially in the vicinity of Eichmond, and 
in the brilliant campaign in the Valley of the She- 
nandoah, in 1864, under that splendid cavalry officer, 
General Philip Shekidan — that have won them im- 
perishable honor. 

Cheers for the Union cavalry ! 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

AT SPOTTSYLVANIA. 

"He courted fame j but as a spur to brave 
And noble deeds. He who despises fame, 
Will soon renounce the virtues that deserve it." 

Malkt. 

ON the 18tli o May, 1864, the order came from 
the Lieutenant General; through his efficient 
associate in command, General Meade, for the entire 
line of battle to be advanced to Spottsylvania Court 
House, Virginia. 

At this important strategic point the rebels had 
thrown up strong entrenchments. Here Lee waited 
in grim determination a direct attack on his front. 
"We shall see, as we progress, that he was doomed to 
meet now one of the first of the series of those bitter 
disappointments that mark his last luckless campaign 
in the Old Dominion. His hidden purpose was so to 
entrench himself in the path he supposed we would 
inevitably take, so to lie in ambush behind embank- 
ments that could not be enfiladed, that, when our men 

(238) 



AT SPOTTSTLVAmA. 239 

were thrown against his impregnable works, we 
should be so decimated before his secreted and pro- 
tected cannon and rifleS; that we should be driven 
back, defeated, from exhaustion of strength. Yain 
and impotent conclusion ! He had not calculated on 
the stern valor, on the persistent energy, on the skil- 
ful and well-practiced strategy now in the field for 
that glorious Union of States he was so wickedly 
aiming to destroy. He had forgotten, apparently, 
what, of all other men, he, from his long practice, 
should have remembered, that powerful flank move- 
ments constitute a game of war, at which at least two 
accomplished commanders can play. 

Grant immediately determined, as he approached 
Spottsylvania, to turn the right of Lee, attack him in 
the rear, and thus force his further retreat to the rebel 
capital — evidently his ultimate end. 

The fighting on Thursday and Friday of this week 
was very severe. The lines of Hancock, being then 
far in the front, were repeatedly attacked by the 
enemy, and as often repulsed. The division of his 
Corps commanded by General Seymour was exposed 
to a heavy fire, and suffered considerably. But the 
rebels were handled with still greater severity, and 
again compelled to retreat, leaving their dead and 
wounded in our hands. The iron old Second Corps 



240 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

noblj stood its ground, at every point, under tlie im- 
mediate lead of Hancock, wlio was vigilant and 
active, as usual, in all parts of tlie field. He was 
again wounded in this action, but kept his position 
at the post of duty. 

On Saturday the Second Corps again advanced 
beyond the Wilderness Tavern, and formed line of 
battle against the enemy at Spottsylvania Court 
House. At daylight he passed through this strategic 
point, and found the rebels entrenched a short dis- 
tance beyond. Heavy skirmishing was imm-ediately 
commenced, and by Sunday morning the whole army 
of Grant was in vigorous pursuit of Lee. The proof 
that we held the field was shown in the fact that we 
now occupied Fredericksburg as a depot for our 
wounded, and a base of supplies. Our headquarters 
at the noon of Sunday were twenty miles south of 
the previous battle-field. 

The stand made by Lee in the vicinity of Spottsyl- 
vania was a strong one. But he was not permitted 
to hold it long. Sedgwick, Wadsworth, and other 
brave soldiers, had fallen ; but our army of kindred 
heroes pushed gallantly on, compelling Lee to retreat 
to the banks of the North Anna river. 

At this point another severe battle was fought. 
The right of the rebels was crushed. Three brigades 



AT SPOTTSYLVANIA. 241 

and four guns were captured. Hancock crossed the 
River Po, under a tremendous enfilading fire, driv- 
ing the enemy before liim. and establisliing himself 
on the south bank. The possession of Spottsylvania, 
after a hotly contested fight, carried us out of the 
Wilderness ; although, in retreating, in consequence 
of their greater familiarity with the broken and wild 
country, the enemy had the advantage of us. By 
the necessities of the position, we could not drive on 
as fast as the foe could be driven. Hancock, holding 
the extreme right of our line, took possession of the 
Block-House road, and thus prepared the way for the 
continued advance of the main army. Breastworks 
were thrown up by his men, and every disposition 
made for any attack the enemy might make. But 
they prudently abstained from all assaults at this 
point. One after another their wild yells died away ; 
and it soon became evident that sullenness and des- 
pondency reigned among them. Hancock had added 
another line to his entrenchments in the open ground 
contiguous to Todd's Tavern, a portion of his heavy 
artillery working all night to accomplish the feat. 
The sight of these brave cannoniers thus at work for 
their country is described by one who witnessed it 
as extremely picturesque. The lanterns of the armed 
workmen hung in festoons from the wild cherry trees, 
21 



242 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

flashing tlieir lights among the May blossoms of the 
branches. The batteries were harnessed up among 
the patriot diggers, who laid aside their pickaxes and 
spades occasionally to look to their guns and bayonets. 
Thus passed the watchful night of war. As the sun 
rose scouts reported the enemy still in front, but in 
small force; and at noon Hancock had again ad- 
vanced and- taken possession of his new field. 

A light-horse battery of the enemy, on the ap- 
proach of our troops at a bi'isk charge, quickly 
limbered up, and posted off in hot haste. It was well 
for them that they did. A lively engagement ensued, 
during which the rebels made the best use in their 
power of a secreted position they held in an adjacent 
wood. They dared not meet us there in the open 
field. Some of them who ventured out were taken 
prisoners, and in other parts of the battle ground 
considerable supplies and munitions of war were 
captured. ' 

The marching of Hancock to form a junction with 
Sedgwick and Warren had been well done. He 
moved in line of battle by the left flank to mass, 
fighting every foot of the way against an entrenched 
enemy, who was determined, at all hazards, to pre- 
vent the strategic movement of our General. Every 
position that he took he obstinately held, completely 



A T SPO TTS YL VANIA . 243 

foiling the rebels^ and effecting his junction at the 
desired time and designated place. The great object 
was attained by the exertion of his utmost skill and 
vigor. The part he had to perform was realized by 
him, and all, to be a severe one ; but abl}^, bravely, 
successfully he performed it. He took the rebel line 
of rifle pits at a most critical moment, and five stands 
of colors. It is admitted that his heroism and skill 
in these preliminary engagements did much toward 
saving our army. 

By his passage of the Po Hancock secured a 
coigne advantage over the enemy. He enfiladed the 
entire rebel position, commanding their roads, on 
which their trains were passing. It was a bold 
move ; but like the dashing character he had so nobly 
won. His two divisions thrown over the river con- 
nected with the right of Wareen. By this junction 
the rebels were driven from their coverts in the 
woods, where we had been txposed to some damage 
from their shells. A general attack followed along 
the entire line, continuing for several hours. The 
enemy could not withstand our charge, but fell back 
in confusion, leaving a large number of killed, 
wounded, and prisoners, on the field. 

Early in the morning of the 12th of May, fighting 
was resumed by Hancock. In one of his brilliant 



244 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

charges, for wliich he has become so justly famous, 
he dashed on the division of Hill, planted in its en- 
trenchments, five miles below Spottsylvania Court 
House. At the head of his gallant Corps, fired with 
the energy peculiar to him, he charged on the foe at 
the double quick. His appearance on this occasion 
is described as the impersonation of the heroism of 
war. Cheering his men as he placed himself at their 
head, receiving their cheers in return with the wav- 
ing of his sword, he gave the word " Charge !" with 
a shout that rang along the lines like the clangor 
of a trumpet. The steady columns swept onward at 
that familiar word, and followed their great com- 
mander into the very centre of the breaking lines of 
the rebels. They wavered, staggered, fell back, step 
by step ; then broke into a confused mass, and fled 
in all directioDs. Colors struck the ground, horses 
tumbled headlong in the wreck, shattered cannon 
ploughed the reeking ea^th, bayonets crossed in wild, 
discordant clatter, heaps of confused bodies strewed 
the crimson grass on every side ; while over all, 
louder than the roar of guns, ••amid the advancing 
standards of the Union, all unfurled and flapping in 
the smoky, air, rose on high the shout — " Victory !" 
"Victory!" 

As our columns dashed over the field, Hancock 



A T SPOTTSYL VANIA. 245 

Still at their head, the prisoners and trophies of war 
were gathered around him. They numbered three 
thousand men^ — among whom were one Major Gene- 
ral, two Brigadier Generals, fifty officers, and twelve 
pieces of artillery. 

The result of the battle was a flag of truce from 
Lee, and the capture of despatches, in which he con- 
fessed that he was short of supplies. It was evident 
that he must fall back on Kichmond, as his final base. 

The valor of Hancock in this splendid engage- 
ment has been well characterised as sublime. He 
placed himself at the head of his entire Corps ; every 
division, every brigade, every regiment, being under 
his eagle eye. His orders were his own, from first 
to last. Every movement was his, from the begin- 
ning to the close of the fight. His presence was 
seen, heard, and felt, in all parts of the field ; until 
the enthusiasm of his men, as they rushed eagerly 
on the enemies of their land, knew no bounds. His 
associates in command rallied around him with a 
readiness that never wavered, a skill that never failed, 
a courage that never faltered. The whole mass 
moved together, like a terrific engine of war in the 
grasp of one strong hand, and controlled by the will 
of one gifted mind. What wonder that he achieved 
so gloripus a victory ? 

21 * 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

ACROSS THE RIVER PO. 

"Let us, then, be up and doing; 
With a heart for any fate. 
Still achieving, still pursuing, 
Learn to labor and to wait." 

Longfelloio. 

THE pursuit of the retreating army of Lee was 
made with as much rapidity as an unfavorable 
change in the roads would permit. Hancock, still 
again in the advance, had • accomplished the feat, de- 
scribed in another chapter, which resulted in the cap- 
ture of Major Generals. Edward Johnson and George 
H. Stuart, and a large portion of their commands. 

The fatigue of our army was great, and the line 
of march was much impeded by a fall of rain of 
thirty-six hours' duration. The glorious success of 
Hancock had inspired all hearts, and the resolution 
to achieve new victories over the galled and retreat- 
ing rebels was instantly formed. As the rain ceased 
and the sun broke forth on the day that witnessed 

(246) 



ACE OSS THE RIVER PO. 247 

the close of the last splendid achievements of the 
Wilderness, the order to advance again was obeyed 
with alacrity. Our men were in high spirits, and 
impatient to meet the foe in any field he might 
choose. 

The characteristic despatch of Hancock to Lieu- 
tenant General Grant, includes, in a few words, the 
progress thus far made : 

"Headquarters Second Corps, May 12th, '64. 
** General : I have captured from thirty to forty guns. I have 
finished up Johnson, and am now going into Early. 

W. S. Hancock.' 

Thirteen of the captured guns were brought to 
General Grant's headquarters. The remainder were 
placed at different points in our rear. 

At daylight of the morning of this attack the 
brigade of General Barlow, of Hancock's Corps, 
appeared like a wat apparition before the rebels. 
They had advanced and steadily driven the enemy; 
and, before they were aware of it, had reached their 
entrenchments, directly in front. With a dash they 
charged on the works, swept over them, and, before 
the rebels had time to fire a gun, captured the whole 
command. The rebels were compelled to surrender 
by the butts of the muskets in the hands of our brave 
men. 



248 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

By anotTier advance of Hancock, on tlie ISth of 
May, the fact was developed that Lee had fallen back 
four miles. The charge of General Bieney's divi- 
sion, of the Second Corps, which aided materially to 
produce this auspicious result, was one of the most 
splendid of any made during the war. Every regi- 
ment in his command covered itself with honor. 
Rebels were surprised in their strongholds in the 
woods, and several stands of colors captured from 
them. 

The two armies were now on the main road leading 
from Fredericksburg to Richmond, but the condition 
of travelling rendered it impossible to make any 
movement to advantage. Reinforcements continued 
to arrive, and the most confident expectations of final 
success were felt and expressed on the Union side. 
The position of Lee was still strong, and the state of 
the Aveather was much in his favor. But the indom- 
itable Grant was determined to pursue him. Rest 
and recruiting were needed by our troops. 

Our advance, under Hancock, possessed one of the 
strongest keys of the whole rebel position, and the 
most desperate efforts were made by them to regain 
it ; but all in vain. He proved himself as tenacious 
in holding his point as he was dashing in winning it. 
No language can describe the desperate energy with 



STILL AD VANCING. 249 

wMcli his troops had carried the day. Barlow, 
BiRNEY, Gibbon", Mott, and others, had won the 
highest distinction on this field ; and the men they 
commanded were entitled to bear with them their 
imperishable laurels. The breastworks captured in 
this advance were very strong ; the ditches in front 
were deep and wide ; and the rebels defended their 
position as if they held it to be impregnable. It was 
reserved for Hancock to undeceive them. 

Several important reconnoissances followed, and 
preparations were made for another general advance. 

On the 18th of May the roads had considerably 
improved, and active operations were immediately 
resumed. Large reinforcements had reached the 
Union army, and the spirits of the men continued 
elastic. Skirmishing began by Birney's division, 
of Hancock's Corps, shell being thrown in the con- 
tiguous Avoods to feel the position of the enemy. 

Early in the morning of this day Hancock made 
another of his brilliant charges, with the most bene- 
ficial results. His attack was begun from our 
right wing, and was prosecuted with such vigor 
that the enemy were forced back a considerable 
distance. He carried their line of entrenchments, 
and all attempts to dislodge him proved utterly fu- 
tile. Our lines continued steadily to advance. Lee 



250 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

was again taken entirely by surprise. He had not 
anticipated and was evidently not prepared for tliese 
repeated and powerful assaults on liis flanks. While 
our feints in front with artillery completely deceived 
him, he found us more than a match for him in the 
strategy of flanking, and was again compelled to 
withdraw. Hancock had advanced successfully upon 
him, turned his left flank, driven his sharp-shooters 
out of their rifle-pits, captured fifteen guns, and a 
large body of prisoners. 

Not long after this successful assault, the rebels 
attempted to turn our right. But they were promptly 
met by the Heavy Artillery, under that brave and 
energetic of&cer. General Tyler, who was ably sup- 
ported by the division of General Birney, of the 
Second Corps, and handsomely repulsed. Although 
tliese troops of Tyler were just arrived on the field, 
from garrison duty at Washington, and had never 
been under fire before, they conducted themselves 
with so much steadiness, managed their guns with 
such skill, and were handled in so admirable a man- 
ner by their General, that they kept the enem}^ at 
bay until the reinforcements of Biristey and Craw- 
ford arrived, and joined with them to drive the 
enemy from the field. 

At half-past eleven o'clock in the night of Friday, 



STILL ADVANCING. 251 

May 20th, Hancock again rapidly advanced, in pur- 
suit of a portion of the rebels in command of Long- 
street, one of his former fellow lieutenants in the 
Army of the United States. His pursuit was as 
rapid as the condition of the roads would permit, and 
soon developed the fact that the enemy had retreated 
beyond the Korth Anna river. Hancock, on the 
extreme left, had driven them from the entrenchments 
they occupied previous to this advance. The Second 
Corps, under cover of night, had bivouacked within 
the breastworks from which they had previously 
captured their prisoners. The veterans had used 
their bayonets with such effect that the iield of their 
march was like a review. They were again in the 
vanguard, with Hancock at their head. Marching 
on the road parallel with the river Ny, the troops 
continued to advance southward, still pursuing the 
retreating foe. By daylight of the 21st they reached 
Guinea's Station, on the Fredericksburg and Eich- 
mond railroad; from thence pushing onward, until 
by nightfall the head of the column had reached 
Bowling Green. 

The effect of this movement was to turn the right 
flank of Lee, and compel him to retreat still again, 
to find his hiding places on the banks of the South 
Anna. 



252 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

At the position attacked by Hancock the rebels 
had thrown up strong entrenchments. They were in 
considerable force at the point where he had crossed, 
and made a determined resistance. But his pertina- 
cious courage and skill overcame them, and they 
were compelled to flee. Before dark of the day of 
his attack he had forced them out of their works, and 
driven them across the stream. 

Wakrej^ and Burnside were on the same line 

with Hancock, and their two Corps, the Fifth and 

Ninth, won equal distinctions with the Second, on 

that gallant onward march into the heart of the 

enemy's country. 

« 
The divisions of Barlow, Birney and Gibbon, in 

the Second Corps, Avere close on the heels of the flee- 
ing rebels at the North Anna. Skirmishing began 
on the front of Birney's division, and soon became 
general along the entire line. At this point Han- 
cock ordered Birney to charge the enemy. It was 
done, in most splendid style. The works were car- 
ried, the bridge taken, the rebels driven in confusion, 
and our guns placed so as to command the position. 
The gallant conduct of that division on this occa- 
sion drew forth warm praises from General Hancock. 
He complimented it on the field in the most cordial 



STILL ADVANCING. 253 

manner, and was himself received with enthusiastic 
cheers by the troops. 

Over a thousand prisoners were captured by this 
combined advance. 

The position now assumed by Lee was one of the 
strongest he could obtain. He had not yet crossed 
the South Anna, but was entrenched between that 
and the Forth Anna. But he soon found the differ- 
ence between his stand here, in these comparatively 
low and open lands of Virginia, and that he had 
made on the heights of Fredericksburg. He could 
no longer hide himself to advantage, but was com- 
pelled to the onset of a fair field. 

At this point he concentrated all his available 
force, and was evidently prepared for a stubborn 
defence. 

Geant, on the other hand, was by no means idle. 
It is well known that it is not his nature to be, on all 
such occasions. He gathered his army more closely 
in hand, adding to his regular force the independent 
command of General Burnside, known as the Ninth 
Corps. As the Lieutenant General, in supreme com- 
mand of the field, he had made his dispositions with 
Sherman, Butler, Canby, Hunter, Sheridan, and 
others, and was now prepared for such an advance 
as would be sure to intercept the retreat of Lee. 



25 J: WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

From, their base in the vicinity of the Rapidan, 
the rebels had been driven a distance of over fifty 
miles. Through all this long march of pursuit the 
Union army had fougnt its way in triumph. At 
every point the commanders had vied with each other 
in the meritorious discharge of their high duties. 
Our province is to speak, especially, of Hancock ; 
but in depicting his valiant deeds we are not to be 
understood as undervaluing those of other equally 
brave men. We should be happy to describe them, 
too, did the limits of our volume allow us. 

It is the position of Hancock at the front, in this 
memorable and triumphant march, and the signal 
manner in which he discharged the high responsi- 
bilities laid upon him, that demand the narration of 
his heroic deeds; that make the task of recording 
them so agreeable, and that cause the lesson taught 
by this part of his life to be so instructive. 

The advance of the Second Corps, under Hancock, 
was one of the signals of the retreat of that part of 
the enemy immediately on his front. Ewell and 
Longstreet, who were in that position, had heard 
from him before, at Gettysburg. When he moved, 
therefore, both these distinguished rebel Generals 
withdrew. 

At the passage of the North Anna, while the Corps 



STILL ADVANCING. 255 

of Wakken crossed witli but little opposition, that 
of Hancock encountered a severe figlit. He met 
the enemy at Chesterfield bridge, where strong works 
had been thrown up, in a commanding position. 
These had all to be carried, and then the obstacle of 
an intervening creek overcome, ere he could plant 
his colors on the opposite bank. Gorges and ditches 
were immediately on his front ; rifle pits and frown- 
ing embankments beyond. 

For the conquest of these difficult points the 
division of General BiRNEY was detailed ; and nobly 
did he perform the task assigned him. With Gib- 
bon on his left, Barlow on his right, and supported 
in the rear by Tyler's splendid Heavy Artillery, he 
marched to the attack. The open space in front was 
swept over by his men at double quick, under a ter- 
rific fire of infantry and artillery ; they reached the 
redans without a pause, and drove out the rebels at 
the point of the bayonet. 

The enemy were thunderstruck at this unexpected 
and rapid movement, and large bodies of them fled 
headlong in dismay. The whole Corps of Hancock 
immediately massed, and held the head of the bridge 
until the time came for a still further advance, and 
preparations were completed for the capture of the 
rifle-pits and entrenchments in front. 



256 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

Grant immediately executed another flank move- 
ment. The position of Lee was such that to attack 
his fronts at a disadvantage, would cause an unneces- 
sary loss of life, while, by flanking him, he could 
compel his further retreat. The movement by flank 
was executed with such skill, secrecy, and rapidity, 
that it was all accomplished before Lee was aware 
that Grant had thought of it. The South Anna, 
with all its grim array of embankments, its rifle pits, 
its hidden ambuscades, was left to frown in its soli- 
tary neglect, while the victorious army of the Union 
marched steadily on. By Sunday, the 29th of May, 
it had swung around its base, and on the morning 
of Monday, the 30th, occupied a new field, in the 
region of the Pamunkey river. 

This was a most disagreeable surprise to Lee. He 
had calculated on our throwing ourselves, over broken 
plains, and through miry morasses, on his strong 
earthworks, which he had taken the trouble to build 
directly in the way he desired us to take. How 
could the Lieutenant General, the stubborn Grant, 
be so very disobliging? How dare he take the 
liberty thus to move his army about at will, over the 
sacred soil of Virginia ? Why did he not consent 
to be led, as a sheep to the slaughter, in the com- 
modious pens he had been so kind as to construct on 



STILL ADVANCING. 257 

the convenient banks of the South. Anna ? Was it 
chivalrous in him. to flank off from his proud and 
valiant foe in this secret manner ? Clearly not. The 
whole thing was wrong. The movement was all 
disgraceful, cowardly, mean. It was not according 
to Hoyle. 

Be all this as it may, Gkant did it ; and most 
nobly did his great and gallant army sustain him in 
doing it. 

On the morning of the 27th of May, at the early 
hour of four o'clock, the whole command had been 
set in motion, the glorious old Second Corps still in 
the advance. The march was made with a celerity 
on the part of the men that showed their hearts were 
in the work before them. Lee was outgeneralled 
on his own chosen ground. Our troops struck off in 
a new direction, passing through a region not before 
trodden by the feet of contending armies, during this 
war for the Union, in which they found the most 
abundant supplies of provisions, cattle, and horses. 

By the evening of May 30th, the whole army was 
safely across the Pamunkey, the head of the column 
being within four hours march of the rebel capital. 
The movement was the most astonishing to Lee of 
any Grant had yet made. On the first of June we 
occupied a front of three miles on the South bank 

22* 



258 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

of the river, having had several cavalry engage- 
ments with the enemy in that vicinity, in all of which 
we drove them. 

Fighting was resnmed on the Mechanicsville road, 
sonth of Totopatamoy creek, and between that 
stream and Hawes's Shop. The bridges over the 
Little Eiver and the Sonth Anna were destroyed by 
our cavalry, under Wilson, and the Union head- 
quarters established in the place long before selected 
by the Lieutenant General. 

General Hancock made his attack on the lines of 
the enemy the moment he received the order. It was 
toward evening of the 30th of May, and the darkness 
soon set in. But he pressed on to the front, assailed 
the new works the rebels had thrown up, and carried 
them by assault. When the morning broke over the 
field, the Union colors were seen floating from the 
conquered ramparts. This was a strongly entrenched 
skirmish line of the enemy, and held by Hancock 
in the face of a deadly fire. The distance from that 
point to Eichmond was but fourteen miles. 

On the night of the 31st of May, a desperate as- 
sault was made on- the lines of Hancock. The sud- 
denness of the movement which brought him to the 
banks of the Pamunkey, would not allow him to en- 
trench as much as was desirable. But he was pre- 



STILL ADVANCING. 259 

pared for the furious onslauglit, though it came on 
him suddenly and in darkness. 

His brave hosts were rallied with a celerity and 
skill that proved the soldierly qualities of the Gene- 
ral, and the enemy everywhere repulsed. They made 
not the slightest trifle by their midnight motion. On 
the contrary, it put our men more completely on the 
alert, led to reinforcements at all weak points, and 
made us more than ever masters of the field. 

The fight was sharp ; but so signal a victory to us 
that it not only drove off the enemy discomfited, but 
left several hundred prisoners in our hands. He 
continued to hold the rifle-pits from which he had 
driven the rebels the previous evening, and was pre- 
pared to defend his position at all points. Our whole 
line was immediately advanced along his front, and 
by daylight the army was so massed at that position 
as to resist successfully every attack. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 
ON THE CHICK Alio MINY 

"I have, thou gallant Trojan! seen thee, oft, 
Laboring for destiny, make gallant way- 
Through ranks of Grecian men. I've seen thee, 
As hot as Perseus, spur thy Phrygian steed, 
Despising many forfeits and subduements." 

Goriolanna. 

LEE was now on the north bank of the historic 
Chickahominy. This little stream, which occu- 
pies so prominent a place in American military an- 
nals, is located in the south-eastern part of Yirginia. 
It rises in the county of Hanover, and falls into the 
York river, about eight miles above Jamestown — 
one of the oldest English settlements in America. 
It divides Henrico and Charles City counties on the 
right, from Hanover, New Kent and James City 
counties on the left. It has to be ajDproached and 
crossed by armies reaching Eichmond from the direc- 
tion taken by the army of Grant. It is capable of 
being strongly defended, and is remarkable for the 

several sanguinary engagements that took place in 

(260) 



ON THE CHICKAIIOMINY. 261 

its vicinity between the Union and rebel armies 
during tlie years 1861, '62 and '64 

Our line of battle had now been formed on a 
radius within a few miles of Kichmond. Lee, with- 
out waiting for our renewed attacks, had stealthily 
retreated before our advancing legions. The capture 
of the ford at Taylor's Bridge by Hancock had en- 
abled us to stretch our columns above and beyond 
the strategic point at Sexton's Junction. In moving 
on the Yirginia Central railroad, he had been furi- 
ously attacked by Lee, and severely repulsed him. 
The conduct of the Fifth Corps, under Waeken, at 
this place, had been complimented by General Meade, 
and that of the division of Birney had received 
similar encomiums from Hancock. The arrival of 
BuRNSiDE and Weight — the latter now command- 
ing the Corps of noble old Sedgwick — had brought 
large reinforcements, and the ground taken from the 
enemy was firmly held. By .repeated assaults the 
rebels attempted to retake the bridge from Hancock, 
but they were foiled and driven back on every occa- 
sion. Constant fighting and skirmishing had been 
continued by the Second and Ninth Corps, the head- 
quarters being located at Jericho Mills. 

From these points began another of those high 
strategic movements for which the Lieutenant General 



262 WINFIELD, THE LA}VYER'S SON. 

is so deservedly famous. Swiftly and silently he 
withdraws, under the feint of an attack on the Vir- 
ginia Central, from before the strong entrenchments 
of Lee^and moves directly in a contrary manner from 
what the enemy expected. The wily rebel comman- 
der was again utterly deceived. Our troops rapidly 
crossed the Pamunkey, swept on through Hanover- 
town, at a distance of only fifteen miles from the rebel 
capital, and soon reached the strong strategic point 
and convenient base of supplies, at White House. 

The fights on Totopatomoy creek had all resulted 
in our favor. The rebels were forced back at every 
point, and our whole army was soon in its chosen 
position. 

Lee was again on the Chickahominy. It had be- 
come, once more, his line of battle. He hoped, in 
maintaining it, to drive and keep our whole force in 
the unhealthy swamps beyond, where all our mili- 
tary movements would have to be made under the 
greatest disadvantages. But the strategy of Geant 
was fully equal to the emergency. By his rapid 
flankings he had moved just where he wanted to go, 
avoiding all battles which he would have fought at a 
disadvantage, saving the lives of his men, keeping 
up their spirits by continued advances, and outgene- 
raling and mystifying the enemy. 



TOWARD THE JAMES. 263 

The battles of Cold Harbor and Bottom's Bridge, 
which preceded our victorious approach to the James 
River, had been sanguinary in their character ; but 
they were short and successful. 

The attack at Cold Harbor was made at five o'clock 
in the afternoon of the 1st of June. The Second 
Corps, under Hancock, was in position to resist any 
sudden assault that might be made on our rear. The 
gallant Sixth Corps led the van, assisted by Smith, 
Wareen, Burnside and Hancock. It was in all 
respects a brilliant aflair. The battle continued until 
after dark, and resulted in our carrying the enemy's 
works at all points. Repeated attempts were made 
by the rebels to retake them, but in vain. In 
every instance they were repulsed, with heavy loss 
on their side. Several hundred rebel prisoners were 
taken during the night, and other injuries inflicted 
on Lee that were evidently severely felt. 

We were now approaching the rebel stronghold 
more closely than ever, and the resistance of the enemy 
was every hour becoming more fierce and more deter- 
mined. The rebel front was formed on our line only 
five miles distant from Richmond. The thunder of the 
guns could now be heard, as they never had been heard 
before, in the ears of the confederated traitors. Gaines' 
Mills, Mechanicsville, Fair Oaks, and other spots near 



26-i WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

Riclimoncl; made memorable in history by the con- 
flicts there of the Union forces with armed treason, 
clustered around, and by their battle memories 
aroused anew the enthusiasm of our ranks. All the 
rebel defences constructed at various intersecting 
points had been rendered useless by the strategy of 
Geant, and the approaches of Lee to Richmond were 
seriously endangered. 

The rebel commander was still strong, still wily, 
still courageous ; but his forces had been fearfully 
decimated, even when assailed by us behind his en- 
trenchments, and his communications with other parts 
of his rebellious field were daily and hourly growing 

"Small, by degrees, and beautifully less." 

The rebels vainly and boastfully asserted that 
Grant had declined the gage of battle. But he had 
done nothing of the kind. He was always ready for 
battle, and always delivered it, when he thought 
proper. He did not, however, deem it wise to fight 
on the ground chosen by the enemy, when he could 
fight so much better on ground chosen by himself. 
The truth is, his strategy, skill and generalship were 
too much for the boasted Lee ; reluctant as rebel pub- 
licists and sympathizers, the aiders and abettors of 
the rebellion, were to admit it. 

Grant started froni AY^shington to reach the 



TOWARD THE JAMES. 265 

James river, in his own way. He had marked out 
his line of battle to suit himself, not the rebels ; and, 
as he naively expressed it in his famous dispatch to 
the Secretary of War, he was determined "to fight 
it out on this line, if it should take all summer." 

The rebels had expended a prodigious amount of 
labor — the most of it performed by the unpaid hands 
of their slaves — in erecting strong fortifications, re- 
newing the ambuscades of old Manassas, Bull Eun, 
and Ball's Bluff, all along the line which they were 
extremely desirous to have Grant adopt and pursue. 
But he, obstinate man ! deliberately insisted in flank- 
ing these formidable works, passing by and beyond 
them, and leaving them as useless lumber on the 
deserted field. It was a very inconvenient, disagree- 
able and damaging operation for the rebels. But 
alas ! for them. There was no way in which they 
could prevent it. 

The water-base of the Union army being opened 
at White House, near the James, the rebel embank- 
ments outflanked and rendered harmless, a long and 
unhealthy campaign on the Chickahominy being 
avoided, the conquest of Eichmond now became an 
object of pursuit from another point of strategy. 
We shall see how successfully that conquest is finally 

accomplished. 
23- 



266 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

On Monday, the 31st of May, our line extended 
from tlie Pamunkey, immediately in front of Han- 
over Court House, to beyond Totopatomoy creek. A 
strong assault was made by tbe enemy in tbe evening 
of this day, in whicb Hancock was called into action. 
He commenced by a diversion on the rebels witb a 
heavy cannonade, that lasted for a number of hours, 
the position of the enemy being assailed by several 
batteries, and six Cohorn mortars. Hancock's Corps 
occupied the right centre, Weight, the worthy suc- 
cessor of Sedgwick, holding the extreme right, 
Waeren the left centre, and Burnside the extreme 
left. In this position the attack was made by BiR- 
NEY, under Hancock, and well sustained. Birney 
advanced on the right. Barlow on the centre. The 
first line of the enemy was carried by a brilliant 
charge, in which a considerable number of prisoners 
were captured from the traitor Breckinridge. 

Thus the Union forces fought their way to the 
banks of the James, and the contiguous region. 
Eichmond was to be approached through its out- 
posts. Whether it was to be conquered by a direct 
assault, or reduced by a continued siege, was yet to 
be determined, 

A severe assault was made on our lines on the 
evening of Friday, the 3d of June. The troops first 



TOWARD TEE JAMES. 267 

attacked were those of Smith's brigade, Gibbon's 
division, Hancock's Corps. It was a sharp attack, 
and began with the customary rebel yells. The 
battle raged with great fury for some time ; but the 
enemy were gallantly repulsed, and prevented for 
that day from trying their assault again. They were 
driven back still further, their entrenchments occu- 
pied, and lost over three hundred prisoners, beside 
many killed and wounded. 

The Heavy Artillery of Hancock, under Tylek, 
rendered signal service on this occasion. The latter 
General was severely wounded. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

IN THE CHICKAHOMINY BATTLES. 

" How are the mighty fiillen, 
In the midst of the battle." 

Holy Writ. 

IN reviewing the battles leading from the Potomac 
to the James, from Washington to Eichmond, in 
which General Hancock took so active a part, we 
continue to find much to admire in his character as 
a soldier. These battles constitute a series of engage- 
ments, among the most sanguinary of any on record. 
The purpose to advance on the part of the patriot 
army was fixed and unyielding. The purpose to 
resist was the same on the part of the rebels. Nothing 
carried the day for us and secured our steady progress 
toward our noble object, the suppression of armed 
rebellion, but the courage and endurance of the 
Union armies under Grant, co-operated with at other 
points by the distinguished Generals Sherman, in 
Georgia, Sheridan, in the Valley of the Shenandoah/ 

(268) 



IN THE CHICKAHOMINY BATTLES. 269 

and the equally distinguished Admiral Fareagut, 
on the Atlantic coast. 

Our space will not allow us to review in detail 
all the battles in which Hancock occupied so promi- 
nent a position. We can only follow him as he ad- 
vances with the main army, and incidentally describe 
such scenes in which he was an actor, as come under 
view in our limited pages. 

One of the features of his career in this campaign 
that cannot fail to attract attention, is the promptness 
with which he always moved. When he received an 
order, for instance, to move on a given line at thirty 
minutes past four o'clock in the morning, at thirty- 
one minutes past that hour he was in motion. There 
was no delay — not even that -of a moment. His 
attacks and conquests were of a similar character. 
Sometimes in thirty minutes from the time he moved, 
he had fought and won the field. His men were so 
accustomed to his rapid movements that lines of bat- 
tle six miles in length responded to his calls, as if 
formed immediately around him. Here is the secret 
of his power as a great Greneral. His lines were 
always well in hand. His power was never scattered. 
In all this promptness of energy, he was perfectly 
responded to by every one of his commanders, who 
richly deserve to share with him the gratitude and 

23* 



270 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

praise of a ransomed country. Special mention is 
due liere to Colonel Tompkins, Chief of Artillery in 
the Second Corps, as well as to the cavalry, for their 
invaluable services in securing our continued ad- 
vance. It is not too much to say that the artillery 
practice of the United States army is among the best 
in the world. 

On the 7th of June the advancing siege lines of 
Hancock had materially increased the uneasiness of 
the enemy. They could not understand what he 
meant by continuing to approach so near to their 
front line of battle. It was not necessary to his pur- 
pose that" they should. Every attempt they made to 
feel our lines met only with repulse and capture. 
Under cover of the thick fog peculiar to that part 
of the country, they had advanced to within pistol- 
shot range of our works, intending to make a dash 
and surprise us. But our pickets were on the alert. 
A sheet of flame from the entire line of the division 
of the Second Corps commanded by Gibbon drove 
back the invaders in confusion. The fire from our 
ranks enfiladed their progress, and they fell back in 
confusion, leaving many of their number dead and 
wounded on the field. 

The exposure of General Hancock at this point 
was so imminent, that Lieutenant McCune, of his 



IN THE CHICKAHOMINY BATTLES. 271 

Staff, had his leg shot off, while standing near the 
General's headquarters. But he held his ground on 
the extreme left of our line, stretching along the road 
leading to Dispatch Station, while the cavalry pickets 
of the dashing Shekidan guarded the banks of the 
Chickahominj. 

It was evidently the firm purpose of the rebels to 
turn the position of Hancock. They opened their 
most furious fire on his lines, keeping up the rattle 
of musketry and roar of artillery with a steadiness 
and perseverance rarely equalled. The attempt was 
clearly made to break the brigade of Smith, in the 
Second Corps, in the hope of penetrating to the main 
army. Delusive hope ! It was doomed to share the 
fate of those that had gone before it. Through all 
the darkness of those hours of the thunder of battle, 
the noble old Second stood to their guns ; and, when 
the morning broke, their gallant lines were intact as 
of yore. 

A change of base was effected for strategic pur- 
poses, from the White House, near the junction of 
the York and Pamunkey rivers, on the 10th of June, * 
to Harrison's Landing and other suitable points on 
the James. This object of Geant had thus been 
accomplished. Up to this moment both armies had 
continued to occupy their relative positions. 



272 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

During the night of Saturday, Hancock had made 
a successful attack on the rebels at Bottom's Bridge. 
The cannonading was heavy, and the result auspicious 
to our arms. The Chickahominy was crossed at this 
point, at a distance of only about twelve miles from 
Eichmond, seven miles northeast of Four-Mile creek, 
on the James river. Hancock, after a desperate 
fight, had succeeded in dislodging the enemy, carry- 
ing the bridge at the point of the bayonet. It was 
securely held by his Corps, and the whole army safely 
crossed the stream at that point and at other bridges. 
The Second Corps marched at once to a selected sta- 
tion on the James. 

The whole movement was executed with consum- 
mate skill ; and reflects the highest credit not only 
on the Lieutenant General, but on all concerned. 
Like other strategic plans of this memorable cam- 
paign, it took the wily rebels completely by surprise, 
and was all the more effective on that account. The 
bridges generally occupied were those of our own 
pontoons. The rapidity of their preparation, and 
the speed with which so large an army crossed such 
a river in perfect safety, show to advantage the mili- 
tary skill which prevails in the American army. 

By this masterly movement our army was now on 
the banks of the James, on which Richmond is situ- 



ON THE JAMES. 973 

ated, and occupying a strong position at tlie south 
of tliat doomed city of traitors. Little or no oppo- 
sition had been made to our crossing. Our cavalry 
had several skirmishes, the result of reconnoissances, 
to feel the positions of the enemy. If they were 
aware of our proceeding they did not attempt to 
interrupt it. Perhaps it was best for them that they 
did not. 

The post of duty assigned to Hancock was that 
the farthest up the river — the nearest toward the 
rebel capital. At this point he threw out his ad- 
vanced pickets, and . proceeded to entrench. All 
around him were signs of the ravages of war ; but 
there were portions of the country still clothed in 
green, and smiling in the sunny rays of June. Some 
fields of grain had not been trodden by the march 
of armed men, horses and trains of artillery, and the 
forests towered up in the distance in all their primeval 
beauty. Nearly all the adult population had been 
ruthlessly conscripted into the armies of treason, 
leaving the houses to be occupied by the old people 
and children; while the neglected fields told too 
plainly a sad tale of the havoc and neglect that the 
wickedness of the revolt had poured over them, like 
a desolating tide of fire. 

While thus patriotically occupied in the field of 



274 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

duty, Hancock was not forgotten by his friends at 
home. It is pleasant to turn away from the scenes 
of carnage and suffering that accompany the move- 
ments of armieS; and contemplate the grateful pro- 
ceedings of his fellow-citizens in the peaceful walks 
of life. 

At the time he was thus bravely fighting for his 
country, the public Fairs of the United States Sani- 
tary Commission were being held, in different parts 
of the country. This Commission is composed of 
volunteer citizens of the Eepublic, who formed them- 
selves into an association for the purpose of aiding 
the government in caring for our brave soldiers in 
the fields and hospitals, and our equally brave sea- 
men in the navy. They had held several festivals 
and other appropriate gatherings, at which large 
sums of money were raised by the free-will offerings 
of the people, and abundant supplies procured for 
the necessities of our sick and wounded heroes. To 
further this good object, several expedients had been 
resorted to, especially at the instigation of patriotic 
ladies, to swell the funds of this most commendable 
purpose. Among these the managers of the Mis- 
sissippi Yalley Sanitary Fair adopted the plan of 
presenting a sword to General Hancock. The amount 
necessary to procure this elegant gift was all obtained 



MORE HOME TESTIMONIALS. 275 

from among volunteer donors, while the act of de- 
ciding the sword to be his, elicited a competition that 
largely swelled the gross receipts for the noble object 
in view. 

The following is the correspondence on this sub- 
ject : 

"Saint Louis, Missouri, June 18tli, 1864. 

Major Genei^al W. S. Hancock; 

Sir: — 
It is with great pleasure I announce to you that the handsome 
sword donated to the Mississippi Valley Sanitary Fair, to be voted 
for by those who make donations in voting, has been awarded to 
you ; there having been a large plurality of votes in your favor. 

It is highly gratifying to the people of Saint Louis, who regard 
you as more than half a citizen, that the sword has been awarded 
to you, as an humble but respectful appreciation of your gallant 
and distinguished services in the field. 

That success may continue to attend your noble efforts to crush 
out the rebellion against our country, is my earnest and heart- 
felt prayer. 

You will please indicate the disposition you wish made of the 
sword, which awaits your order. 

Vei'y respectfully and truly yours, 

James E. Yeatman, 
Chairman Executive Committee, 3Iississippi Valley Sanitary Fair.^* 

Reply of General Hancock 
" Headquarters, Second Army Corps, June 27, 1864. 
My Dear Sir: — 

Your favor of the 18th instant, informing me that the handsome 
sword donated to the Mississippi Valley Sanitary Fair has been 
awarded to me, is received. 



276 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

Such a mark of consideration, from the citizens of Saint Louis, 
is truly gratifying. Having married in that city, and residing 
there for many years, I regard it as a home. 

Only the soldier can fully appreciate the benefit of your noble 
efforts in behalf of the Sanitary Commission. The effects of its 
kind ofiices in ameliorating our wants and sufferings are felt, with 
a grateful remembrance, through every part of our vast army. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

W. S. Hancock, 
Major General United States Volunteers. 
To James E. Yeatman, Esq., Chairman of the Executive Com- 
mittee, Western Sanitary Commission, Saint Louis, Missouri. 

P. S. Please send the sword to Mrs. W. S. Hancock, Caronde- 
let, Missouri. 

W. S. H.» 

At tlie great Central Sanitary Fair, iield with such 
marked success in the city of Philadelphia, during 
the current month of June, 1864, the citizens of the 
States especially represented, Pennsylvania, New 
Jersey, and Delaware, manifested their deep interest 
in General Hancock, and their high appreciation of 
his services for the country, by the presentation of a 
splendid full set of horse equipments, valued at five 
hundred dollars, manufactured for the occasion, ]by 
Messrs. Mag-e, of Philadelphia. 

The correspondence on the subject has not yet ap- 
peared. It is known that the General has expressed 



MORE HOME TESTIMONIALS. 277 

liis grateful appreciation of tlie handsome gift, 
especially on account of the application of the money 
derived from it in the Fair, to the relief of our suf- 
fering troops and sailors. 

Several other gentlemen, actuated by similar 
motives of patriotism and personal good will, took 
measures to present him a commodious dwelling in 
Philadelphia, the particulars of which reflect much 
credit on the parties concerned. From considerations 
of delicacy we abstain from inserting all the names 
of parties in this place, with regard to this honorable 
and generous proceeding. 

The Coal Exchange of Philadelphia, through the 
personal exertions of John R. Blackiston, Esq., 
Davis Peaeson, Esq., and other gentlemen, gave a 
practical proof of their good will by placing at the 
disposal of General Hancock the handsome sum of 
fifteen thousand dollars, to be used by him at his 
discretion, in the work of procuring recruits for his 
Corps. 

Mr. Peaeson followed his proofs of attachment to 
the General by raising, in connection with his own 
liberal subscription, the sum of twenty-four hundred 
dollars, with a view to presenting him another elegant 
sword and accoutrements. But, in consequence of his 

having received a similar present from Saint Louis, this 
24- 



278 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

testimonial was deferred. The amount subscribed is 
still retained ; and a much larger sum is being added 
to it, by his Philadelphia friends, with a view to 
making him a durable gift, that will be especially 
prized by liis family. 

It was perfectly natural and proper that the citi- 
zens of Saint Louis should feel a peculiar interest in 
General Hancock. Beside their high appreciation 
of his character as an officer, they had known him 
among tbem as a resident. As a General, they re- 
garded his brilliant military achievements as fully 
equal to the best of those of the most distinguished 
commanders of Napoleon — Murat, Bessaix, Junot, 
and DuROC. They felt that the nation owed him a 
debt of gratitude, which would be well repaid ; but 
their attachment to his person was originated and 
cemented by still other causes. 

He had come among them from his campaigns in 
Mexico, and by his modest bearing, his gentlemanly 
courtesies, his skillful attention to his duties, had 
won all their hearts. It was nearly seventeen years 
since he first came to Missouri — a young Lieutenant 
and Aid to General Clark, then in command of Jef- 
ferson Barracks. Here he had married the only 
daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Eussell, one of 
the oldest and most highly esteemed merchants of 



MORE HOME TESTIMONIALS. 279 

Saint Louis. The name of this gentleman is never 
mentioned but with respect among all who knew 
him. His house, on Fourth street, in that city, was 
for years the seat of generous and elegant hospitality ; 
while his career as a merchant exerted a wide-spread 
influence in the prosecution of Western trade. Here 
General Hancock had resided, for several years ; 
here his children were born ; here his character as a 
soldier and a gentleman had been regarded with 
pride. Nothing of the kind, therefore, could be more 
becoming, than that St. Louis should honor herself 
by honoring him with an elegant and costly sword. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG. 

"Then, if you fight against God's enemy, 
God will in justice ward you as his soldiers. 
If you do swear to put a tyrant down, 
You sleep in peace; the tyrant being slain." 

Shakapeare. 

WE are now to take our stand with Hancock, 
in front of Petersburg, Virginia. The inter- 
mediate steps by which, he reached this important 
point are passing into the current history of the 
country. His Corps moved, in conjunction with that 
of Wakken, across the intervening region, until 
they arrived at the position of most strategic value. 
He was in the advance of the extreme left, on the 
fifteenth of June, and immediately opened on the 
enemy. The outer works assailed were pronounced 
by competent judges to be more difficult to capture 
than those taken from the enemy at Missionary 
Ridge and Chattanooga. 

(-80) 



TN FRONT OF PETERSBURG. 281 

It seemed natural that the old Second Corps should 
be among the first to make the attack on these new 
and powerful strongholds of the rebels. It was 
still meet and fitting that they should be in the ad- 
vance. Their well-tried guns were among the earliest 
to wake the echoes of Petersburg. 

Up to this time the rebels at Eichmond had no 
correct idea of our movements. They were not at 
all aware of our having crossed the James. It was 
their expectation — their fond hope — that we should 
take the old route, by way of Malvern Hills, where 
they were prepared to greet us with secret embank- 
ments, ambuscades, and surprises ; if possible to 
drive us back, and keep us through the summer in 
the pestilential swamps of the Chickahominy, and 
contiguous streams. They did not dream that by a 
bold movement Geant would again change his whole 
base, dash across the James river in darkness and 
silence, and plant himself opposite their intrench- 
ments in front of Petersburg, and south of Eichmond. 
They awoke to the discovery of the fact that the 
arduous and gallant deed was done — and they knew 
it not! Their defences at a strong strategic point 
were not only now to be assailed, but both Peters- 
burg and Eichmond were to be virtually besieged, 

24* 



282 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

and the long lines of communications with other 
parts of the rebellion seriously endangered. 

Large rebel reinforcements were now sent rapidly 
forward to confront us. By placing a strong force 
across the Appomattox river, in the immediate 
vicinity of Petersburg, the enemy prevented us from 
the speedy capture of that place, except at a greater 
sacrifice of life, on both sides, than the Lieutenant 
General felt warranted in making. 

The next strategy of Grant was the possession 
of the contiguous railroads. By shutting up con- 
siderable bodies of rebel troops in Eichmond and 
Petersburg, he prevented Lee from employing them 
against us at other points, and prepared the way for 
those movements in certain directions which he knew 
would greatly weaken the military power of the re- 
bellion. Saving his men from severe losses by direct 
attacks and defences, he could enclose the enemy 
wdthin their entrenchments ; and then, by gradually 
cutting off their supplies, either compel an evacua- 
tion or surrender. He had already inflicted consider- 
able damage on some of their lines of communica- 
tion; but the facilities for repairing then enjoyed by 
the rebels, in consequence of the secret assistance 
they derived from their sympathisers abroad, enabled 
them to keep the most active of them in occasional 



m FR ONT OF PETER SB UR G. 283 

use. The lines of our army were gradually and 
steadily being drawn over all this net- work of rebel 
roads ; but they were not yet sufficiently strong and 
compact to be completely effective in holding them. 

The Second Corps had been advanced toward 
Petersburg, resting its right wing on the Jerusalem 
plank road, running across from the railroad to Nor- 
folk and Weldon. In the absence of Hancock, who 
was kept from the field by the breaking out, in con- 
sequence of his severe duties, of his Gettysburg 
wound, there was a gap allowed to occur between 
his Corps and the Sixth. Taking advantage of this 
fact, revealed to them by spies, the enemy made a 
dash on his lines, and inflicted some damage. It is 
due to General Bikney, who was in temporary com- 
mand of the Second Corps, at the time, that he should 
be exonerated from all blame for this reverse. It 
was not owing to any lack of vigilance or courage 
on his part, but to the occurrence of fortuitous cir- 
cumstances not in the power of man to prevent. 

The twentieth Massachusetts regiment of volun- 
teers, attached to the Second Corps, rallied at the 
call of danger, and rendered great service on this 
occasion. It was in command, at the time, of Cap- 
tain Patten, to whom much credit is due for the 
manner in which he came to the rescue, and whose 



284 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

m 

coolness and daring prepared the way for the gradual 
rescue of the Corps from its sudden exposure. 

Hancock was in his tent, suffering extreme pain. 
As the cry came to him — 

" The Second Corps is attacked !" he rushed from 
his couch, in his night dress, and, calling an ambu- 
lance, rode directly to the front. 

"What is the matter with the Second Corps?" he 
asked, in tones that betokened the deepest feeliDg. 

" We are assailed by a superior force, in mass ; cut 
off from support on the left flank !" replied one of 
his Aids, who had galloped ahead of him, to the 
scene of danger. 

In a moment more Hancock, wrapped in his army 
overcoat, sword in hand, was mounted and rushing 
to the field. But by the time he reached the centre 
of the fight, and had begun to rally his men, the 
enemy had been driven back, and the danger was 
passed. Some losses were experienced, but they 
were soon repaired, and plans were instantly laid for 
preventing any such occurrence in the future. 

The brave old Corps could still sing : 



'Though some may sleep 'neath Virginia's sod, 
We still bear the flag of the free, my boys; 
And thosfe who are true to our land and God, 
Will meet at the last reveille, my boys." 



IN FR ONT OF PETER SB UR G. % 85 

It is a strong proof of tlie confidence reposed in 
Han-cock by G-rant that in the attacks first made 
on Petersburg his command was materially enlarged. 
In addition to his own Corps, detachments from the 
forces under Smith and Burnside were placed at 
his immediate disposal. His main attacks were be-l 
gun by the Division of Birney, who conducted him- 
self with his usual gallantry. The enemy were re- 
peatedly driven from strong positions, with severe 
losses in men and guns. Birney's troops behaved 
in the most splendid manner in their assaults, win- 
ning the highest admiration from all their fellow- 
soldiers. His division advanced, under a heavy fire, 
to within a few hundred yards of the enemy's works, 
and his guns commanded the city. 

Lee now rapidly crossed the James, reinforced 
Beauregard, in command of Petersburg, and post- 
poned, though he could not prevent its ultimate 
capture. Severe fighting ensued ; but every attempt 
to drive us from our siege position was a signal 
failure. Our lines continued to extend ; our works 
gradually grew more numerous, extensive, and power- 
ful ; and it was soon evident that our grasp, at this 
vital point of the rebels, could not and would not be 
loosened, until victory ensued. 

The health of Hancock speedily improvQ.d, and 



286 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

he immediately resumed his more active duties in 
the field. He had placed his artillery in the most 
commanding positions, and was doing his work with 
his usual vigor. 

The distinguished honor of making the first direct 
assault on Petersburg was assigned to the Second 
Corps, in conjunction with the troops from Bermuda 
Hundred, under Smith. Hancock was ready with 
his men, and eager for the brave attempt ; but a delay 
in furnishing him supplies caused a detention of 
several hours, which prevented the success of the 
measure. It was soon after found that the arrival 
of reinforcements had much strengthened the enemy ; 
and the peculiar location of the city would defer its 
capture by any other method than a regular siege. 
On this basis Grant noAv laid his plans ; and, with 
his usual reticence and coolness, proceeded to carry 
them into effect. 

A much needed opportunity for rest was afforded our 
great army. Entrenching, bombarding, mining, was 
now the order of the day and night. The latter pro- 
cess was conducted in a manner that must always at- 
tract the attention of military historians. The ground 
was dug in such an angle as to form a subterranean 
gallery, and the miners were pushed forward by their 
pickaxes and spades under the solid earth, the exca- 



IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG. * 287 

vations being made without tlie "use of coffer works, 
or frames of any kind. Dangerous as this process 
was, it prevented the enemy from hearing our pro- 
gress under their works and beneath their feet. Si- 
lently, steadily, in a darkness illumined by only a 
few army lights, our brave men dug their way; no 
sound of hammers being heard in their under-ground 
march, the opening to their mine being adroitly hid- 
den from view ; and occasional fusilades of musketry 
and salutes of artillery deluding the watchful rebels 
from our secret purpose. 

As a still further foil to the enemy, the Second 
Corps was ordered over the Appomattox, aided by 
other troops, who together formed a junction at Point 
of Eocks. This so attracted the attention of the 
rebels, that they were completely divested of all idea 
as to where and how any mining operations might 
be going on. At the same time a detachment of 
cavalry, under Sheridan, crossed the James, at Jones' 
Neck, whose open movements, followed by a line of 
four hundred empty army wagons, so completely 
deceived Lee that he at once detached a special force 
to intercept us. 

The Second Corps, and its allies, performed their 
part with skill. The rebels were drawn on after 



288 'Enfield, the lawyer's son. 

them; in a bootless pursuit, leaving the entrench- 
ments at Petersburg still more exposed. 

At this moment; while the attention of the enemy 
is completely diverted, and while many of our own 
men are wondering what is to come from the unex- 
pected movement; the mine is sprung. The explo- 
sion is tremendous. Immense masses of earthworks 
and of the adjacent enclosure are thrown high in the 
air; and a wide breach is made in the enemy's de- 
fences. The attacking parties rush forward with 
determined valor ; but, for want of adequate support, 
at this most critical juncture, they are too much ex- 
posed to achieve all the results that such an explosion 
had warranted us to expect. The enemy recover 
from the shock just in time to bring their heaviest 
and best posted guns to bear on our exposed columns, 
and the advantages we had hoped to gain by this 
great strategic movement are suddenly wrested from 
us. But the experience gained by this explosion 
was invaluable, and we shall see that it was success- 
fully employed on several future occasions. 

It was a gratifying coincidence that soon after the 
occurrence in the advance, in which, during the ab- 
sence of Hancock, the Second Corps met with some 
losses, he should have the honor in person to repay 
them. Immediately on resuming his active command 



IN FR ONT OF PETER SB UR G. 289 

he commenced forward demonstrations. He issued 
an earnest address to his troops, in which he adjured 
them to haste to wipe out any reproach that might 
be supposed to rest on their long-honored colors. He 
called upon them to follow him again in repulsing 
the traitorous enemies of their country, and to win 
back their guns. Nobly, enthusiastically his brave 
men responded. In a few hours only after he entered 
the field again an attack was made on the rebels, in 
which the Corps captured four guns of heavier calibre 
than those they had lost. The deed was done. Their 
honored name was re-established. 

Immediately on receiving the announcement of 
this gallant capture, General Meade dispatched this 
congratulatory note to General Hancock : 

"Headquarters Army of the Potomac, ] 

9 A. M., July 27, 1864. j 
General Hancock: 

Youi' dispatch of twenty minutes past seven is just received. 

I congratulate you and your gallant Corps on your success, and 

trust it will be continued. 

Geo. G. Meade, 

Major General. 

For some weeks previous to this characteristic oc- 
currence, the troops of Hancock had been among the 
most active of any engaged in the siege. The divi- 
sions of. BiRNEY, Barlow and Gibbon were fre- 

25 



290 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

quentlj in motion, inflicting severe blows on the 
rebels, at every assailable point. In consequence of 
the character of the rebel entrenchments,' it was dis- 
covered that general advances along our whole line 
were inexpedient. The gains were not commensu- 
rate with the losses of men and time. Baelow's 
division, in conjunction with a detachment of sharp- 
shooters, was sent out on important reconnoissances, 
and steps were continually taken to possess ourselves 
of the contiguous railroads, for the purpose of more 
effectually cutting off the supplies of the enemy. 
The rebels were frequently encountered in consider- 
able force, and in every case driven back. By com- 
bining on our rear and massing on our flanks the 
wily Lee succeeded in inflicting losses upon us, occa- 
sionally, especially at points where the Corps had not 
been able, owing to the nature of the country, to 
complete their junctions ; but they were soon repaired, 
and the lines of entrenchment were drawn closer and 
closer around the walls of Petersburg. 

The activity of our cavalry, under Wilson, con- 
tinued to be felt at all points. He succeeded in 
reaching several parts of the enemy's railroad com- 
munications, and in cutting them asunder. Their 
rations were growing less and less reliable, smaller 
and smaller in quantity. Large bodies of rebel 



IN FR ONT OF PETERSB UR G. 291 

raiders were sent into comparatively new regions, to 
procure those indispensable supplies, tlie want of 
wliicli was now so much felt by Lee in his camps, and 
by the traitors in Kichmond and other besieged 
places. 

General Hancock had resumed the active com- 
mand of his Corps on the evening of the 27th of 
June. General Birney, who had so well conducted 
himself at its head for the past few weeks, now re- 
sumed his position in the Third Division. 

Demonstrations were soon began to be made for 
the complete possession of the Weldon railroad. The 
occupation of this important means of communica- 
tion would leave the besieged rebels only one perma- 
nent railroad — the Danville — and such outside roads 
as the country afforded. Many and difficult prepara- 
tory steps were essential to secure this important 
result. 

At daylight of Saturday, July 30th, the Union 
forces opened on the traitors with a battery of one 
hundred guns. Hancock had recrossed the James, 
and was prepared to take part in the contemplated 
assault. He had been operating to advantage for 
two days on the north bank of the river, and now 
joined his forces with those of Sheridan and Kautz, 
on the south side of the Appomattox. He had come 



.292 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

to the rescue at tlie most critical moment. His rapid 
movements in tlie direction of Malvern Hill had re- 
sulted in the capture of several guns and a considera- 
ble body of prisoners. 

The position of the campaign after the explosion 
and assault was as formidable as ever. Our lines 
were still advancing; the coils of war were being 
drawn more and more closely around the enemies of 
our country. 

It was now the 30th of July. Gratifying intelli- 
gence came pouring in of the operations of Sheeman, 
at Atlanta, and of Farragut, at Mobile Bay. The 
spirits of our men, in spite of the intense heats and 
droughts they were called to encounter, and their 
losses by repulses at the open jaws of death in the 
explosion of our mine, were still exultant, and every 
movement was onward. 

The great aim of Grant was the complete and 
final possession of the Weldon railroad. All his 
strategy now tended to this important point. 

On the 9th of August came the glorious news that 
Admiral Farragut had passed the forts in Mobile 
Bay, which the boastful and arrogant rebels had 
boldly and loudly predicted he could not pass. Sta- 
tioned at the mast-head of his gallant flag-ship, the 
Hartford, with his speaking trumpet placed, by means 



IN FEONT OF PETERSBURG. 293 

of tubes, on the deck, he had swept into the waters 
of the eneni}^, attacking them at every assaikxble 
point, sinking and capturing their ships, taking pos- 
session of their forts, and planting the national flag 
on the ramparts from which, with so much of treason- 
able infamy, it had been hauled down. The nation 
was electrified at the welcome intelligence, and shouts 
of jo}^ ran along the Union lines in front of Peters- 
burg. New successes were granted us in the variable 
Valley of the Shenandoah, and the movements of 
Sherman, in Georgia, were highly encouraging. 

The continued and skillful strategy of Geant 
completely deceived the rebels. They were being paid 
off in their own coin. Greater familiarity with their 
location and wily stratagems had prepared the way 
for those strategic movements which surprised and 
annoyed theni to a degree they had never experi- 
enced before. But greater and more signal defeats 
awaited them. Instead of ending his campaign be- 
fore Petersburg, the rebels found, to their deep grief 
and ill-dissembled chagrin, that he had but just be- 
gun it. Gradually, but surely, one after another, 
their insulting sneers at the Lieutenant General died 
away ; and they were reluctantly forced to confess 
that Lee had, at last, met a foeman worthy of his 
steel, ^ye thought he was more than worthy. 



294 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

On Saturday, August IStb, the Corps of Hancock 
was tlirown across the James, at Deep Bottom. This 
was the same point at Avhieh he had made a success- 
ful feint movement, on a previous occasion. It haxl 
been sent to City Point, on special service, and em- 
barked on transports. Conjecture as to its ultimate 
destination had been busy, as usual ; but all doubt 
was dispelled by its passing up the river, and landing 
at Dutch Gap. A little after sunrise, on Sunday 
morning, Birney advanced, with Foster's division, 
and drove the rebels a considerable distance. The 
lines of the enemy were broken, and a capture made 
of nearly a hundred prisoners. 

The cavalry, under Gregg, had now cleared the 
road for Hancock, and he steadily advanced. He 
posted his Corps on the Newmarket road, which leads 
directly from Malvern Hill to Eichmond — distant, at 
that point, only about ten miles. 

Birney, now promoted, and most deservedly, too, 
to the command of the Tenth Corps, made a gallant 
assault on the front of the enemy, carrying their 
works, which guarded the approaches to Eichmond 
in that direction, capturing six pieces of cannon and 
two mortars. 

The position of the rebels was a strong one, and 
they parted with it very reluctantly. But the*skilb 



IJSr FR ONT OF PETER SB URG. 295 

fill manoeuvring of Hancock had enabled liim to 
' reacli their front in a way thej were not all prepared 
for ; and there was no resort left them but to with- 
draw. Our troops held the position. 

But little hard fighting took place, as the strategy 
of Hakcock rendered it unnecessary. The enemy 
were taken by surprise, and our loss was small. 

The whole movement was a perfect blind to the 
rebels. Our troops, which they saw moving down 
the river, on transports, during the day, turned back 
again at night, and, surprising the enemy in their en- 
trenchnients, captured them with ease. 

As the. Second started on this imaginary voyage, 
their bands struck up gaily, and gave to the winds 
several martial and playful airs to be wafted to rebel 
ears. They thought we were bound to Charleston, 
perhaps to Washington, it might be to Mobile, per- 
adventure to Atlanta. But when we returned 
that same night, up the still waters of that same 
river, in silence and in darkness, they woke to their 
sad, mistake, as our men charo^ed with a victorious 
shout on their works, and carried everything before 
them. By daylight of the next morning the splen- 
did artillery of the Second Corps could be heard 
along the rebel lines, its thunders waking from their 
fitful slumbers the guilty dreamers of Richmond. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 
HIS NEW M0VE3IENTS. 

"A boding silence reigns, 

Dread through the dull expanse ; save the low sound 
That, from the mountain, previous to the storm, 
Rolls o'er the muttering earth.'' 

The Seasons. 

THE Union forces operating on the north bank 
of the James, in the middle of August, re- 
mained for a time in boding silence. Their position 
was one of great strategic importance. It was a 
mystery to the rebels. They dared not attempt to 
dislodge it, for they knew not how large a support 
might be awaiting them in its rear ; and yet it did 
not seem to them of sufficient magnitude to warrant 
its long continued advance. 

This habit of mystifying the rebels by his move- 
ments had become a fixed one with Grant. It was 
like a second nature with him. Heretofore, in nearly 
every instance, the enemy could read our plans of 
battle, discern and predict our campaigns, before we 

(296) 



HIS NEW MOVEMENTS. 297 

had begun to develop or enter upon them. ]N"ow 
however, the case was widely different. If Lee was 
wily, Gkant was equally so. If Lee was good at 
strategy, Geant was better. If Lee was great at 
manoeuvring, Gkant was greater. The history of 
the war will abundantly prove all this to be true. 

There was a period, during this diversion of Han- 
cock and BiENEY, when the advance front of our 
lines was within six miles of the rebel capital. The 
.object of the reconnoissance was soon attained. It 
w^as to protect our men, working, at Dutch Gap, on 
the canal, being constructed there to aid our ap- 
proaches to the city. The cavalry of Geegg was 
posted on the Charles City Eoad, protecting our 
right wing, the left flank of which extended to the 
banks of the James. Lee was prevented, by this 
means, from interfering with our workmen, and 
taught that we knew, as well as he, that there was 
more than one way of advancing on his base. By 
this extension of our forces we could assail both 
Eichmond and Petersburg at the same moment ; and 
the better watch the immediate movements of the 
enemy. If it were true, as the rebel leaders and 
their sympathisers so blatantly asserted, that ' Eich- 
mond could not be taken,' Geant, his Generals, and 
his army, could not see it in that point of light. 



298 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

Our continued progress had further developed the 
position of the enemy. In a spirited engagement 
we had captured four hundred more prisoners, and 
killed two general officers — Chamblin and Gherrard 
— their bodies being left in our hands. All our 
plans and combinations were proved to be effective ; 
the signs of its coming doom were concentrating 
more and more closely around the focus of the re- 
bellion. It was evident to all reflecting minds that 
there must be more severe fighting, and that Kich- 
mond and vicinity were yet to contain many other 
sanguinary fields, ere the war could be brought to 
an honorable and permanent close. 

It was now past the middle of August. Many 
attacks were made on our lines, but they were in- 
variably repulsed. Obstacles to the progress of the 
Union arms that had been potential in former cam- 
paigns, failed to retard us now. The siege of Eich- 
mond was a fixed fact. Nothing seemed to relax our 
hold on the central power of the enemy. Every 
thing transpired to prove that the final victory over 
the army of Lee would terminate the struggle in the 
complete restoration of the Union. 

On the morning of the 18th of August, our troops 
made a most important movement. They crossed 
from their seemingly quiet position, and, by rapid 



HIS NU W MO VEMENTS. 299 

advances, captTired and held certain strong points on 
the Weldon railroad. Severe fighting ensued ; but 
we held all that we had gained, capturing a consider- 
able number of prisoners from Heth's, Mahone's, and 
Hoke's divisions — some of the best of the rebel 
forces. 

Meanwhile the continued efforts of the rebels to 
dislodge us from the north bank of the James, were 
all futile. We remained in our positions, and en- 
trenched. 

There was a surprise of our lines on the Weldon 
road during the night of the 20th of August, in 
which we lost some guns and prisoners. But it was 
soon recovered from them ; and, while our entrench- 
ments were increased and materially strengthened, 
other measures were promptly adopted to prevent a 
similar occurrence in the future. 

The tenacity of Geant exceeded any thing pre- 
viously displayed by him, in any of his movements. 
At each attempt of the enemy to move him from his 
hold, he grasped it all the more firmly. He was 
furiously attacked during several successive days ; 
and each engagement gave him a new victory. We 
more than regained the number of prisoners we had 
lost in the previous surprise. At the last of these 
onsets four rebel Generals were killed and wounded. 



300 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

It was perfectly evident tliat the enemy could not 
dislodge us from the coveted strategic points. By 
the 25th of August it became apparent that they had 
desisted, at least for the present, from all attempts to 
repossess them. 

Comparatively quiet possession of the road now 
being obtained, our forces proceeded thoroughly to 
destroy all those portions of it under their imme- 
diate control. The work was quickly and effectually 
done. Our men divided their forces to the best ad- 
vantage. A part worked night and day in complet- 
ing fortifications ; the soldier of one hour was the 
digger of the next; the musket and the spade inter- 
changed with each other in the ramparts, at regular 
intervals ; while the silent cannon, glistening in the 
sun, or glimmering in the light of army lanterns, 
pushed out their open mouths over the heads of the 
men, as their grim defenders, ready to plead for the 
continuance of their industry, at a moment's warning. 

The Welden railroad was ours. 

Richmond papers, coming within our now pro- 
tected lines, acknowledged, with ill-concealed shame, 
their loss of this important position. They taunted 
us with endeavoring to starve them out of their 
stronghold ; as if they had not attempted the same 
thing with us, every time they had the opportunity. 



DEFENDS THE WELDON ROAD. 301 

The first division of the Second Corps were among 
the most active of all our troops in destroying this 
necessary means of rebel communication. They 
were accustomed to labor ; and these fighting work- 
men were not ashamed to work hard here, in so good 
a cause. They completely destroyed the road ; tearing 
up and burning it, from the first point of conquest 
to Eeams's station, and for a distance of three miles 
be3^ond. The whole line held by our forces at that 
place was nearly eight miles. 

Another desperate attempt was made by the rebels 
to regain possession of the road toward evening of 
the 27th of August. The attack was made on Han- 
cock, who was stationed at an exposed point, isolated 
from the main line — as was so often his position, far 
in the advance. 

The attack began south of Eeams's station, and 
was made with great desperation. But he met it 
with all his unflinching valor, and gave it a severe 
repulse. It was a combined assault on his centre 
and left. Support was out of the question. He 
took up the gage of battle single-handed, and fought 
it out on that line. The fight was one of the fiercest 
of any field, of any campaign. But he met the 
enemy at every point, and drove them, routed, from 
26 



302 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

the field. Their dead and wounded^ which were 
numerous, were left in our hands. 

This attack was evidently intended to be simul- 
taneous against Hancock, by Wilcox on his centre, 
and lieth on his left. They had expected to find 
him scattered, busy at the work of railroad destruc- 
tion, and, comparatively, unprepared. They were 
mistaken. He was ready for them. Exposed as his 
position was, he defended it with such vigor and 
skill that they were completely foiled. 

Forming in the adjacent woods, placing their artil- 
lery so as to be ambushed, and, at the same time, to 
enfilade our lines, the enemy flattered themselves with 
a sudden scare on the part of Hancock, and an easy 
conquest on theirs. He very soon undeceived them. 
Their cannonading was heavy, lasting a considerable 
time. They then massed under cover, and charged 
on our unprotected columns. But our men dropped 
their work instantly, seized their rifles with a rush, 
swept into line like a wave of the sea rolling on the 
even beach, and met the shock of arms without a 
Vv^aver. Bayonet clashed with bayonet, sword with 
sword, in rapid succession. Hand to hand, foot to 
foot, shoulder to shoulder, face to face, our men held 
every inch of their ground, taking not a step back- 
ward from the foe, but hurling him in defiance along 



DEFENDS THE WELDON ROAD. 803 

tlie earth, in every instance, where there was any- 
thing like an equality of forces. In one or two cases, 
where the numbers of the enemy Avere overpowering, 
and a slight ■ foothold was gained by them, our men 
rushed from one w^eak point to another, strengthen- 
ing each other's hands, cheering one another to the 
CD set, until the union was secured, the rebels w^ere 
driven back, and our original position regained and 
held. Oar troops rushed from right to left, in aid 
of the assailed columns, beating back the repeated 
assaults from the weaker points, and massing into 
stronger lines of defence. 

General Gibbon displayed great courage and 
presence of mind on this occasion. He checked the 
yelling rebels in the midst of one of their most 
furious onsets, and hurled them back in confusion. 
General Gregg, with his dismounted cavalry, render- 
ed important service. His improvised infantry were 
handled in the most handsome manner ; meeting the 
■enemy in a way for which they were not prepared. 
The command of Miles, which was the first assailed, 
won high distinction,' notwithstanding its scattered 
condition. The General and his staff officers behaved 
with great gallantr}^, and received the commendation 
of Hancock, on the field. 

his severe fight was continued through the after- 



304 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

noon, until dark ; the enemy being held in check 
by artillery, dismounted cavalry, and skirmishers. 
General Hancock speaks of it as acknowledged to 
have been one of the most determined and desperate 
conflicts of the war ; resembling Spottsylvania in its 
character. Had there been more troops at his com- 
mand, at the moment, the victory would have been 
still more decisive. 

A considerable number of prisoners were sent 
forward from the divisions of Wilcox and Heth. 

The enemy disappeared from the hard-fought field, 
evidently much discomfited, leaving his dead and 
wounded in our hands. Their losses were admitted 
by prisoners to have been greater, in proportion, 
than any they had experienced during the war. 

The object of Hancock in the temporary occu- 
pation of his portion of the road was attained, and 
our onward movements continued to progress. The 
rebel press acknowledged severe losses in this fierce 
action with Hancock, four of their general officers < 
being among the number. The destruction of the 
road contiguous to Eeams's Station by the Second 
Corps had been so thorough that the rebels were 
compelled to transport all their stores from that point 
by means of army wagons, over difficult byways. 
They would have had but little even of these with 



NEW UNION TRIUMPHS. 305 

which to supply their increasing wants, had it not 
been for the support afforded them by their foreign 
allies, who managed to evade our blockade at Wil- 
mington. The best of their arms and munitions of 
war had come to their diminished camps from this 
alien source ; their dependence for them on other parts 
of the traitorous States being now materially lessened 
by the capture of more Southern positions. The 
strong point of Atlanta, Georgia, was rendered com- 
paratively useless to the rebellion, by the consum- 
mate strategy and invincible courage of Sheeman, 
in co-operation with the indomitable Faeragut, at 
Mobile, Alabama, and the gallant Sheeidan, in the 
Yalley of Virginia. The glorious news soon came 
that Atlanta Avas ours. The rebel General Hood, on 
whom so much dependence had been placed by the 
Confederate authorities, was compelled to evacuate 
that south-western stronghold, leaving in our pos- 
session all its defences, a large number of prisoners, 
and an immense supply of munitions of war. 

Eepeated attempts continued to be made by Lee to 
regain possession of the much needed Weldon road. 
But they all failed. Every attack was gallantly re- 
pulsed, and we held on. The spirits of the army re- 
mained as exultant as ever. There was no such word 
as fail in all our increasing ranks. President LiN- 



306 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

COLN issued a special Order, as Commander in Chief 
of the Army and Navy, recapitulating the victories 
won by General Sherman and Admiral Farragut, 
returning thanks to the soldiers and seamen con- 
cerned, for their glorious achievements, and calling 
on the people of the United States to assemble in 
their respective places of public worship, to render 
thanks to Almighty God for these signal proofs of 
the Divine favor on the Union arms. A salute of 
one hundred shotted guns was ordered by General 
Grant, in honor of these great victories. 

Meanwhile, as the summer closed, and the month 
of September came upon us, our advance toward 
Kichmond steadily continued. It was as rapid as 
such siege approaches could be made, consistent with 
a due regard to the lives of our men, and our bases 
of operations. Every day of the months devoted to 
the conquest of the rebel capital had been profitably 
employed. N"ot an hour, not a moment, had been 
lost in idle inactivity or supine indifference. The 
army and the navy efficiently co-operated with each 
other, and the prospect of ultimate victory over the 
rebellion was as cheering as ever. The capture of 
Richmond, noAV undertaken in downright earnest, 
was prosecuted with vigor, although the plans con- 
templated and put in operation by the Lieutenant 



NEW UNION TRIUMPHS. 307 

General, could not, with propriety, be made known 
to the American people, quietly pursuing their avo- 
cations at home. Delays, which they could neither 
understand nor appreciate, were necessary to the suc- 
cessful termination of the closing scenes of the great 
rebellion. 

Vigorous measures were constantly in progress. 
By the middle of September large masses of Union 
troops were stationed at different points on the rail- 
roads, a few miles South of Petersburg. Our left 
line, in strong force, was pushed across the "Weldon 
road, to a mile beyond it, on the west. The move- 
ment was a cause of some excitement among the 
rebels, who watched its progress with the deepest 
interest. General Geant does not appear to have 
taken the trouble to inform them what it all meant. 
Probably he was of the opinion that they would find 
it out themselves, in due time. At all events, they 
took the hint sufficiently to strengthen their entrench- 
ments in that immediate neighborhood. 

In order to render our operations more effective, a 
railroad was constructed by our able engineer corps 
from City Point, on the James, only a few miles south 
of Richmond, to a convenient terminus on the Wel- 
don road. This means of communication was soon 
opened to great advantage, the arrival of the first 



308 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

trains of cars, suitably loaded, being received with 
cbeerino^ all alono- our lines. It was another stretch 
of the conquering chain of war that was environing 
Richmond — a chain that the rebels had forged with 
their own guilty hands, and from the coils of which 
they were soon to find there was no escape. 

Large reinforcements continued to swell the Union 
army under Gkant, who quickly massed them on 
his left, immediately confronting the rebel right. 
Where they came from, and what the hero of Yicks- 
burg was going to do with them, seemed to pass the 
rebel comprehension. His movements, on all hands, 
continued to be to them a profound mystery. This 
was exactly what he intended. When the time 
should come — and he, of all men, knew when that 
time would come — he was prepared to encircle Peters- 
burg, as he had Yicksburg, with a grasp that would 
either compel its evacuation or destruction. For rea- 
sons creditable to his noble soldierly qualities, he 
much preferred the former to the latter alternative. 

Matters remained in this favorable condition, when, 
after a short visit to the headquarters of General 
Sheeidan by the Lieutenant General, the Army of 
the Shenandoah suddenly moved on the enemy, and 
won the splendid victory before Winchester, Virginia, 
which occurred on the 19th of September. By a 



NEW UNION TRIUMPHS. 309 

series of rapid engagements, commencing, very pro- 
perly, at Bunker Hill, Sheridan drove the rebels from 
all their positions, killing large numbers, capturing 
several thousand prisoners, a large supply of provi- 
sions and many munitions of war. The rout of the 
enemy was complete, continuing through a series of 
battles, at different points, to Staunton, Virginia, when 
the town was possessed, with all the adjacent region, and 
much rebel government property destroyed,* Every 
position was temporarily held for strategic purposes, 
and a blow inflicted on the rebellion in that quarter 
of the country from which it never could recover. 

The effect of this brilliant victory on the army 
before Eichmond can be well conceived. It cheered 
every loyal- heart. It strengthened every patriotic 
arm. It had been won in accordance with plans pre- 
viously laid down by Gkant, and was designed to 
aid him in his immediate movements on the rebel 
capital and its surroundings. 

On the 30th of September another onward move- 
ment began. The Tenth Corps, under Bieney, co- 
operating with other selected bodies of veteran 
troops, moved on the strong entrenchments of the 
enemy, at Chapin's Farm, the nearest point to Eich- 
mond yet reached, and carried them by storm. The 
rebel line was found to be thin, and the embankments, 



310 fVINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

wliich were among the strongest thrown np around 
the rebel capital, were defended by only a small force. 
The subsequent attempts made by the enemy to re- 
take these commanding approaches to Eichmond 
were so easily repulsed that the impression began to 
prevail in certain quarters that Lee would evacuate 
his capital and thus surrender his base of operations. 
But Graxt, and those who better comprehended the 
strategy^of the wily rebel leader, knew better than 
this. He and they were perfectly assured that there 
must be much more severe fighting at this point, 
before the rebellion would be subdued. 

On the 2d of October, Hancock advanced a por- 
tion of his Corps to a point considerably nearer the 
enemy. He took possession of the Boynton road, 
over which the enemy had been carrying their sup- 
plies, in wagons, to Petersburg. Two lines of works 
were found unoccupied. A skirmish line opposed 
our advance, but gradually fell back before the con- 
tinued attacks of our troops. 



CHAPTER XXXIL 
CONCLUSION 

"Get and preserve a good name, if it were but for the public service." 
— Fuller. 

IN reviewing Hancock'^ history, tlie fact may 
with propriety be recorded here that, by the act 
of President Lincoln, he had been made a Brigadier 
General in the KeguLar Army of the United States, 
his rank to be dated, as such, from the 12th of Au- 
gust, 1864, for gallant and distinguished services at 
the battles of the Wilderness. Spottsylvania, Cold 
Harbor, and in all the operations of the army in Vir- 
ginia, under Lieutenant General Grant. 

AS A BOY. 

It will not, of course, be claimed for him that he 
was a faultless child. He had his faults and frailties, 
like all other children. He was no better than any 
other boy can be who reads this true history of his 
life. This much can be truthfully recorded of him, 
for the instruction of other American youth; he was 

(311) 



312 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

obedient to bis parents. He was honest in his deal- 
ings. He was modest, cheerful, buoyant in his man- 
ners ; obtaining an influence over his playmates by 
his frank, open, courageous demeanor. All his 
school-fellows who were worthy of his love, loved 
him in return ; and persons more advanced in life, 
when he was young, some of whom still survive, look 
back on his boyhood with affectionate interest. 

AS A CADET. 

There was nothing remarkable in his cadetship. 
He is remembered by those who knew him at West 
Point as a quiet, untissuming Pennsylvanian youth, 
for whom no special credit was claimed. He was 
strict in conforming to the rules, quick in acquiring 
learning, ambitious to excel in drill and discipline, 
fluent in expressing what he learned, amiable in his 
deportment, adding some graceful accomplishments 
to his list of studies as a draughtsman, and excelling 
as a sketcher of scenery and characters, as is shown 
by his drawing, in another part of this volume. The 
whole of that sketch, to which the reader is referred, 
was drawn by General Hancock, while a cadet at 
West Point. It is designed to hit off a class of per- 
sons who are in the habit of boring the cadets, by 
applying to be received into the Academy. The 
scene is a literal one, as true as it is graphic. 



CONCLUSION. 313 

A greenhorn approaclies a drummer, wlio is gazing 
at him with astonishment, and asks : 

" How d'ye do, boy ? Where's your capting ? I 
want ter jine the Pint !" 

The looks of the parties around, the marching of 
the other applicants, who, in the distance, are seen to 
be put through the motions by the cadet officer of 
the day ; the groupings of the scene, the dresses and 
expressions, are all precisely as executed by Cadet 
Hancock, and preserved in his Album. 

He graduated with credit as a cadet, enjoying the 
confidence and esteem of all his classmates. It is 
due to West Point Academy to say that he owes all 
that he is as a military man to the superior culture 
and discipline of that institution. 

AS A JUNIOE OFFICEK. 

It is not by any means pretended that there was 
anything very remarkable in young Lieutenant Han- 
cock, when he took his place in the line of the Sixth 
United States Regular Infantry. His fellow officers 
around him had equal positions in the militarj^ school 
they had just left. Some of them had graduated with 
higher honors. He was fighting imder the same flag 
with them when he drew his sword, for the first time, 
in battle, on the shores of Mexico. All that need be 
said of him as a junior officer is this — he did his duty. 



314 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

AS A COMMANDER. 

In this position lie was ever found at his post, dis- 
charging his duty faithfully. He was severely tried, 
and found equal, as a patriot commander, to the 
great cause in which he had enlisted with all his 
heart. 

It is not the slightest disparagement to his com- 
patriots in this noble struggle, to quote the appro- 
priate testimony of Lieutenant General Grant : 

"I always know where to find Hancock." 

When he returned to his Corps, in the spring of 
1864, and was preparing to lead the advance, his 
officers and men gathered around him, and tendered 
him a voluntary salute of welcome, with music and 
banners. A song of congratulation on his return 
was composed for the occasion, and sung with loud 
acclaim by the strong voices of his thousands of gal- 
lant soldiers. The following is the closing verse of 
this heart-felt, soldierly welcome : 



"Welcome back, Oh! General, brave,' 

Welcome to your Corps again ! 
Trumpets sound and banners wave, 

Shouts ascend from gallant men. 
Many a hard-contested field 

Proved you a true-hearted man : 
Ay ! many a field saw foemen yield, 

Where Hancock led the van !" 



CONCL USION. 3 1 5 

At tlie terrible conflicts of the WildernesS; wlieii 
the men of the Second Corps were falling by thou- 
sands, their patriotic devotion to him and their cause 
was poured out with their life's blood. 

In one of the field hospitals we met a group of 
these noble fellows^ just brought in^ wounded, bleed- 
ing, dying. 

"How goes the battle, boys?" asked one of these 
gallant sufferers of a wounded comrade, borne from 
the front. 

" All right !" replied the bleeding hero ; " We're 
driving them !" 

" They've broke in upon us pretty rough 1" said a 
true Yankee, as he limped along, with a dismal 
wound, to his stretcher. 

"Ar-r-ah! but they'll niver git thrrough the ould 
Sicond Cowrps ! You may bit ye're life o' that; my 
boy !" cried a brave Irishman, at the top of a voice 
half stifled with the flow of blood in his throat. 

"Lie still, Maurice," quietly and soothingly said 
one of"4he surgeons. " You must lose your arm, my 
good fellow !" 

"Lose my arrm, is it?" returned the enthusiastic 
Hibernian, more excited than ever. "Will! I'm 
ready to do that for Hancock, any day ; and, if need 
be, I'll lose both my arms for the Union. Hur-r-ah 



316 WINFIELD, TEE LAWYER'S SON. 

for the Stars and Stripes, rny boys ! and tlie Sicond 
Cowrps foriver !" 

A break bad occurred on a road in our lines,, 
tbrougb which the enemy pressed with all the com- 
bined power Avithin their reach. They anticipated a 
certain victory as they swooped down on our unpro- 
tected columns, and planted their colors defiantly on 
our front. At this perilous moment Hancock dashed 
forward, with the greatest promptness and energy, 
determined on a rescue of his troops. 

Hat in hand, he raised himself in his stirrups, and, 
spurring forward, with his staff around him, shouted, 
at the top of his voice : ' ' 

" We must hold this road, to the last extremity ! 
Stand your ground, men ! Stand your ground !" 

" They are enfilading our breastworks !" exclaimed 
one of his command. 

" Then we must meet them behind the breast- 
works, and drive them out !" continued Hancock, 
with tremendous emphasis. 

Turning to a body of troops, who seemed disposed 
to waver, he thundered : 

" Ko flinching there ! What can the country hope 
from cowards?" 

No better proof of the valor with which he fought 
his command, and of the brave alacrity with which 



CONCLUSION. 317 

they followed his lead, can be found than the well 
established fact that the Second Corps lost not less 
than thirty thousand men from the opening of the 
campaign with Gkant to the front of Petersburg. 
Twenty-five thousand of these gallant fellows had fol- 
lowed him to victory and death before he had crossed 
the James river. 

When, on another occasion, already alluded to, 
before Petersburg, in which his Corps was over- 
powered on a portion of its lines, he left his sick 
couch, and placed himself at their head, the effect of 
his presence, though scarcely able to sit on his horse, 
was magical. 

"Hancock! Hancock is here!" rang along the 
front. 

" Hancock is sick !" was the response. 

"Sick or well, he's with us! Don't you hear his 
voice?" 

At that moment his clarion notes 'sounded out, as 
strong and clear as ever : 

" Eally, men ! rally ! By the left flank — march ! 
Steady ! — steady ! to the front !" 

His orders being rapidly obeyed, quickly oame 
another : 

" Charge '" 

27^ 



318 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

It was done, instantly; the enemy fled, and tlie 
lost ground was triumphantly retaken. 

During one of the fiercest battles of the Wilder- 
ness, late in the evening. Colonel Caekoll, commaiid- 
ing a brigade in his Corps, was seriously wounded. 
A previous commander of this brigade, the gallant 
General Ai^exandee Hays, had just been killed, his 
body placed in an ambulance, and carried from the 
field. 

^' You are wounded, Colonel Caeeoll," said Han- 
cock, riding up to his side. 

'^Yes, Greneral," replied the Colonel; "but I shall 
not leave the front." 

"Who will command your brigade, Colonel?" 

" I'll command it myself, sir !" promptly added 
the Colonel, rising and giving the salute. 

It should be remembered that through all the 
vigorous campaign of Hancock with GEANT,he was 
himself a wounded man. He did^not complain, or 
allow his duties to be in any way neglected ; but his 
wound was still serious, and would have caused many 
other men to have retired from the fight. When 
laid aside in hife tent, he still maintained his hold on 
his command of the Second Corps. IsTothing of im- 
portance was allowed to transpire without his notice. 
A rest of a few days brought him again into the 



CONCLUSION. 319 

saddle, and to the front of battle. A piece of bone 
was taken from liis wound, where it had been chafing 
his flesh constantly, and depriving him, at times, of 
the sleep so much needed by a man in such a 're- 
sponsible position. But he would not, and did not; 
yield his post in the fights, until completely pros- 
trated by disease. 

The soldiers who served under others always 
united to bear testimony to his worth. 

" Did you ever serve under General Hancock?" 
we enquired of an old war-worn veteran, just from 
Louisiana. 

" No, sir," he answered us ; ''I will not tell a lie. 
I never served under General Hancock ; but, sir, 
he's a noble man." 

Such uniform testimony as this from the men 
of other Corps is peculiarly valuable. 

The rapidity of the movements of Hancock as a 
x3'^mmander is shown most strikingly in his position 
in support of Warren, in the battle fought early in 
May, 1864, near Parker's store. The moment the 
order for support came, his whole Corps was in 
motion. By two o'clock of that day he had marched 
the whole distance from his position on the Brock 
road, and precisely at the time designated he was in 
line of battle, fronting the enemy. As the command 



320 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

marcliecl, often at tlie double quick, tlie sound of 
rebels guns in the distance, responding to those of 
Warren, quickened the pace of the Corps. They 
^rushed on, with shouts that made the welkin ring, 
the music pouring forth its loudest strains, and the 
colors flapping proudly in the rushing air. It was 
just like Hancock and his gallant men. He had 
command, at that moment, of troops from nearly 
every Corps in the Avhole army, and handled them 
with most consummate skill. 

■During th^ height of this engagement Hancock's 
line was the grand centre of attraction. All his 
movements were watched with the keenest interest 
by Lieutenant General Grant and General Meade. 
His caution in every movement was equal to his 
valor. He was very careful not to extend his lines 
too far, especially on his left, as he was wisely appre- 
hensive — as it proved, afterward, correctly so — that 
Longstreet might make a sudden attack in that direc- 
tion. By holding his strong position, and keeping 
his men well in hand, he beat back the enemy until 
sufficient reinforcements arrived to secure a final 
victory. 

His conduct on this tremendous field is described 
by those who saw it as magnificent. Prompt in 
arriving, ready, in a mom.ent after, for fight, he 



CONCLUSION. 821 

dashed at once on the wily foe. His labors m mass- 
ing his men had been herculean. With a quickness 
of perception, a grasp of thought, peculiar to his 
character, he had divined the whole purpose of the 
rebels, and was instantly prepared to meet it, at every 
point. Nothing of the kind could be more exciting 
than the whole scene. His entire combined com- 
mand was to be hurled in solid columns on the enemy. 
How vast the importance that his every movement 
should be directed right ! A single mistake, in sach 
a crisis, might derange his whole plan, and lose the 
day for his country. 

As quickly as he had moved his gallant troops, so 
quickly he formed them in line of battle ; and just 
as quickly he issued his orders. It was the thunder- 
bolt of war launched with the electric flash, from the 
wire in his hand. It was the crash of the avalanche 
of battle, that his skill had poised on the towering 
cliff of his noble purpose. It was the roll of a wave 
of valor poured forth from his sea of thought, that 
was to bear down all before it ; the swoop of an eagle 
from a mountain eyrie of vision, where his eye had 
grasped all the. field, and was sure of his prey. No 
wonder that he conquered. 

But, with all this brilliancy of execution, the 
caution of Hancock was fully equal to his dashing 



322 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. 

courage. Not a point was neglected. Not a lino 
was left un covered. Kot a defence was allowed to 
remain unavailable. His heroism, that knew no fear, 
slione side by side with his modesty and grace, on 
that terrific area of carnage. There was impetuosity ; 
but it was sobered by calmness. There was invinci- 
bility ; but it was graced by modesty. There was 
enthusiasm, rising to its utmost height; but it was 
controlled by a wise caution. There was the trans- 
port of action, the shout of command, in the midst 
of the roar and clangor of conflict; but it was 
chastened by a prudence that valued human life, and 
that would not needlessly waste or even put it in 
peril. 

In saying all this, however, we repeat our desire 
not to be understood as claiming for Hancock more 
than we most cheerfully accord to many other Ameri- 
can of&cers. The names of his compatriots in the 
glorious war for our Union are passing, with his, into 
history ; and the historians now live who will do 
them all justice. We speak of Hancock as we do, 
because the facts abundantly warrant it; and because 
we have carefully studied his character. * 

Through all the varying circumstances of his life, 
thus far, from boyhood to manhood, from the quiet 
scenes of his own native Pennsylvania, to the embat- 



CONCLUSION. 323 

tied fields of war and victory, we have traced his 
career, and striven to write with an impartial pen. 
We have marked his course with candor. In battle, 
especially, where he appears to the best advantage, 
there is but one testimony of all his witnesses — that 
he possesses those remarkable combinations of cour- 
age and skill, of daring and promptness, of energy 
and caution, of command and modesty, which must 
forever place him on the pages of American history 
as one of the master military spirits of the age. 



THE END. 



EAKCOCK, THE PEIDE OF THE BOLD SECOND 
COBFS. 



[The following "Farewell bong" waswittenby 
Jsurgeon liawrence Keynoids, of the 63d N. Y. 
Voltin tears, on a recent occasion wtenMajorQene. 
ral Hancoc]£ was leaving the aimy:] 
As with sorrow the lone loying motiier is parting, 
Her tond favorite child, thougii a yonng, happy 
bride; 
As grieves the true friend, when his comrade is 
starting, 
For wealth or for glory, o'er ocean's dark tide; 
So is sorrow's dark shadow onr hearts now op- 
pressing, 
For the hero who giiides us to conquest no more; 
So each eye ponrs a tear, and each bosom a bless- 
ing, 
For Hancock, the pride of the bold Second 
Corps. 

"We remember the perils from which your skill 
saved us, 
How you felt lor your troops, as the sire for the 
soi.; 
How, when foemen loud cheering, with gallant 
pride braved us. 
Ton led the fierce charge, and the victory won; 
Tho' lile' s pathway may lead thee to still brighter 
glory, 
Forget not ycur comrades in battles of yore; 
For pure is the record, and glorious the story. 
Of Hancock, tte pride of the bold Second Corps. 

Farewell, Oh! how painful to burst our connec- 
tion, 
But duty compels it, and sadly we part; 
But naught can e'er sever the bond ol affection, 
That binds to biave Hancock the true soldier'* 
heart. 
A? gold to the miser; as his bride to the lover, 
Art thou to the friends who may see thee no 
more— 
"We'll think of thee, Hancock, we'll love thee 
forever, 
Then remember, brave Chieftain, thy bold Sec- 
ond Corps. 



